Last Updated:
December 5, 2025
Illinois may not be known for its whitewater rapids like other states, but there are still some great spots for kayaking and rafting enthusiasts to enjoy. One popular destination is the Vermilion River, particularly the stretch between the town of Oglesby and the Illinois River. This run offers Class II and III rapids, making it perfect for both beginners and more experienced paddlers. It's best to tackle this run when the water levels are between 300-1,000 cubic feet per second for an optimal experience.
Another favorite spot for whitewater enthusiasts in Illinois is the Fox River, specifically the segment between Yorkville and Dayton. This stretch offers Class I and II rapids, making it a great choice for beginners looking to gain some experience on the water. The Fox River is best tackled when the water levels are between 300-600 cubic feet per second. Safety is always a top priority when whitewater rafting or kayaking, so be sure to wear a properly fitted life jacket, helmet, and appropriate clothing. Always check the weather conditions and water levels before heading out, and never paddle alone. With the right precautions and a sense of adventure, Illinois can offer some thrilling whitewater experiences for any paddler. So grab your gear, hit the water, and make some unforgettable memories on the Illinois rivers!
|
Location
|
Streamflow (cfs)
|
Difficulty (class)
|
Bwcaw Boundary To Forest Boundary In T62n, R2e
|
3620
|
II-III
|
Forest Boundary To Lake Superior In T62n, R3e
|
121
|
II-III
|
South Fowl Lake In T64n, R3e To Lake Superior In T64n, R7e
|
3020
|
II-III
|
Western Boundary Of Grand Portage National Monument To Eastern Boundary Of Grand Portage National Monument
|
3020
|
II-III
|
Begins Approximately 2 River Miles Downstream From The Yellowhouse Branch Confluence With The Escatawpa River Near The Town Of Deer Park, Alabama
To Ends Approximately 1 River Mile Upstream From The U.S. Highway 98 Bridge
|
10
|
III-IV
|
North Branch (Sections 19/30 Line) To Unnamed Creek In Sec 4, T37n, R13e
|
2
|
NONE
|
Forest Road 2174 To Private Bridge
|
1
|
I-II
|
Private Bridge To Highway 55
|
0
|
II-III
|
Highway 55 To Forest Road 2169
|
1
|
II-III
|
Forest Road 2169 To Forest Road 2133
|
8
|
NONE
|
Unnamed Creek To Forest Boundary In Sec 14, T37n, R13e
|
63
|
NONE
|
Main Branch Forest Boundary In Sec 18, T37n, R15e To Railroad Bridge
|
63
|
II-III
|
Forest Road 2133 To Forest Road 2156
|
8
|
III
|
Forest Road 2156 To Eastern Forest Boundary
|
8
|
I-II
|
North Branch Origin In Sec 10, T38n, R13e To 1/4 Mile West Of Highway 55
|
1
|
NONE
|
Railroad Bridge To 1/4 Mile Downstream From The Ccc Bridge
|
63
|
NONE
|
1/4 Mile Downstream From Ccc Bridge To 1/4 Mile Upstream From Evans Bridge
|
62
|
NONE
|
1/4 Mile Upstream From Evans Bridge To Confluence With Armstrong Creek
|
62
|
NONE
|
Confluence With Armstrong Creek To Sec 12/13 Line, T35n, R16e
|
62
|
NONE
|
Sec 12/13 Line, T35n, R16e To Forest Boundary In Sec 24, T35n, R16e
|
62
|
NONE
|
1/4 Mile West Of Highway 55 To Confluence With Main Branch
|
1
|
NONE
|
Main Branch Origin In Sec 23, T38n, R13e To Forest Road 2167
|
1
|
II-III
|
Forest Road 2167 To Highway 139
|
1
|
II-III
|
Highway 139 To Forest Road 2398
|
1
|
NONE
|
North Branch Butternut Lake To Confluence With Main Branch
|
0
|
II
|
Main Branch Headwaters To Forest Road 2174
|
1
|
II-III
|
Brule Lake In Ne1/4 Sec 15, T41n, R13e To Forest Boundary In Se1/4 Sec 31, T41n, R17e
|
436
|
NONE
|
Net River Mainstem, Confluence With East/West Branches To Confluence With The Mainstem Paint River
|
1
|
NONE
|
East Branch Net River, From Its Source In Sec 8, T47n, R32w To Confluence With Mainstem Net River In Sec 24, T46n, R34w
|
1
|
II-III
|
West Branch Net River, From Its Source In Sec 35, T48n, R34w To Confluence With Mainstem Net River In Sec 24, T46n, R34w
|
1
|
II
|
1 Minle Southwest Of Delwood, Il (Sec. 18, T11s, R13e) To Reesville, 1/4 Mile South Of The Confluence With Sugar Creek
|
10
|
NONE
|
Bridge At Eddyville Blacktop To Confluence With Ohio River At Golconda,Il
|
10
|
II-III
|
Source, About 2 Miles East Of Delwood, Il (Sec 10, T11s, R6e) To Bridge At Eddyville Blacktop (Se1/4,Sec.16,T12s, R6e)
|
10
|
NONE
|
