Careful boating and scouting of rivers and streams must be done to ensure a safe trip. Hazards vary at different river levels and can change after one high water event.
RATES
All prices include basic instruction, shuttle to and from
the trip. Canoe rental includes two paddles and two life jackets for two people. A third
person Rental for a seat, paddle and life jacket is $10. Rates cover rental of all gear
for the entire trip. Times listed are based on paddling at a steady pace and are given
only for planning your trip. You must try and stay within the time limits as most trips
are based on 1/2 or full day prices. Shuttles to and from the river and general
instruction adds about a half hour.
Classifying of rapids will be made on the International
Scale of River Difficulty (Class I-VI, Class III being the limit for open canoes) with
river levels at one foot above the lowest level at which the water is canoe able. This
means that there are no rapids higher than class III on the rivers. Flood conditions would
have to exist for a class IV and we reserve the right to not put out any canoes when
conditions are dangerous. Early spring rivers run full and cold dress accordingly.
After May, the Vermilion usually runs under one foot over zero with water
temperatures over fifty-five degrees until October. Depending on the amount of rain mid
July can see the river become un-canoe able.
Any and all trips or portions of trips may be suspended because of unsafe or poor conditions. We will try to notify you prior to your trip so be sure to leave a phone number when you make your reservation.
Rates subject to change without notice. We reserve the right to
refuse service to anyone we judge unsuited for the trip.
Canoe fees are for one boat for one or two people Third person in
the boat adds $10.00. We accept cash only
Trips
These trips are at 6 inches to 2 ft water level which means the river is in poor condition to be on the water, many, many shallows will be encountered!!
VERMILION RIVER :
Trip 1 Canoe from Hoppalong Cassady Trail to Canoe the Vermilion Landing - 11
miles, 3-4 hours. All flat water with general river obstruction around bridges
and trestles A good scenic run for the novice to expert canoeist. Can
be broke down to 1, 2, 3, and 4 hour trips.....Canoe $45
Best canoeing on these trips is at a 3 ft and above to 5 ft. It is currently at 6" to 2 ft. conditions are poor for Canoes and Kayaks. This trip is currently suspended due to corporate ownership of the water
Trip 2 Canoe from Lowell to Olgelsby Bridge 8 miles, 3 hours. Mainly flat water
with Class I, II and possibly class III rapids
wildcat and a low head Dam. Experienced canoeist only, this can be a dangerous stretch of water
..........Canoe $60
Trip 3 Canoe from Canoe the Vermilion to Olgelsby Bridge - 15 miles, 5-6+ hours.
Mainly flat water up front but from Lowell to Olgelsby there are class I, II and possible
class III waters
wildcat2 along with a low head dam. This
is very full day of paddling.
Experienced canoeist only, this
can be a dangerous stretch of water.................Canoe
$60
Pictures of the wildcat, Low head
dam, and a Leonore level gauge conversion can be seen by going to the following
link.
Vermilion River Gauge Information
This will take you to another website
Please park far off the road and respect the rights of the traffic in the area.
The lower stretch of the river with the rapids is currently suspended pending resolution of water ownership in the state of Illinois. The river has been closed off because of a recent accident. The property owner on both sides of the river is preventing access to the water flowing over his property. If you have any questions on how to help get this stretch of water back open, feel free to call me and we can talk about the situation
Livery Services
We provide shuttle services for those who have there own equipment. This allows you to bring one vehicle down for your trip. We meet you at the take out point and transport you and your equipment to the put in point. This is ideal for the kayak enthusiasts that want to play down at the Wildcat for the day. Price is $15/ canoe or kayak
OVERNIGHT TRIPS
1 day overnight trips can be arranged. Camping is
primitive (no facilities, take everything you need) and only on designated private
property for a fee. One or two people per canoe, camp sight and Canoe (standard trip), one
4 hour canoe trip and overnight stay $60
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