River runs

Illinois river runs

Live streamflow, whitewater class, and length for every paddleable section in Illinois with a named USGS gauge. Built for kayakers, rafters, and canoeists.

Runs in Illinois
33
Class range
I–V
Across the U.S.
331
Updated
Jun 21
Open the Illinois paddle layer on the map Whitewater + paddle runs filtered to Illinois.
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June
21
2026
River runs
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!
Full directory

Illinois river runs

Every paddleable section in Illinois keyed to a named USGS gauge. Sortable, quickly filterable. Tap any one for current discharge and the gauge it reports off.

33 entries
River run Streamflow Class
Bwcaw Boundary To Forest Boundary In T62n, R2e 11,500 cfs II-III
Forest Boundary To Lake Superior In T62n, R3e 1,660 cfs II-III
South Fowl Lake In T64n, R3e To Lake Superior In T64n, R7e 11,400 cfs II-III
Western Boundary Of Grand Portage National Monument To Eastern Boundary Of Grand Portage National Monument 11,400 cfs 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 2 cfs III-IV
North Branch (Sections 19/30 Line) To Unnamed Creek In Sec 4, T37n, R13e 40 cfs ·
Forest Road 2174 To Private Bridge 39 cfs I-II
Private Bridge To Highway 55 678 cfs II-III
Highway 55 To Forest Road 2169 39 cfs II-III
Forest Road 2169 To Forest Road 2133 4,190 cfs ·
Unnamed Creek To Forest Boundary In Sec 14, T37n, R13e 1,030 cfs ·
Main Branch Forest Boundary In Sec 18, T37n, R15e To Railroad Bridge 1,030 cfs II-III
Forest Road 2133 To Forest Road 2156 4,190 cfs III
Forest Road 2156 To Eastern Forest Boundary 4,190 cfs I-II
North Branch Origin In Sec 10, T38n, R13e To 1/4 Mile West Of Highway 55 39 cfs ·
Railroad Bridge To 1/4 Mile Downstream From The Ccc Bridge 1,030 cfs ·
1/4 Mile Downstream From Ccc Bridge To 1/4 Mile Upstream From Evans Bridge 1,010 cfs ·
1/4 Mile Upstream From Evans Bridge To Confluence With Armstrong Creek 1,010 cfs ·
Confluence With Armstrong Creek To Sec 12/13 Line, T35n, R16e 1,010 cfs ·
Sec 12/13 Line, T35n, R16e To Forest Boundary In Sec 24, T35n, R16e 1,010 cfs ·
1/4 Mile West Of Highway 55 To Confluence With Main Branch 39 cfs ·
Main Branch Origin In Sec 23, T38n, R13e To Forest Road 2167 39 cfs II-III
Forest Road 2167 To Highway 139 39 cfs II-III
Highway 139 To Forest Road 2398 39 cfs ·
North Branch Butternut Lake To Confluence With Main Branch 678 cfs II
Main Branch Headwaters To Forest Road 2174 39 cfs II-III
Brule Lake In Ne1/4 Sec 15, T41n, R13e To Forest Boundary In Se1/4 Sec 31, T41n, R17e 436 cfs ·
Net River Mainstem, Confluence With East/West Branches To Confluence With The Mainstem Paint River 2,850 cfs ·
East Branch Net River, From Its Source In Sec 8, T47n, R32w To Confluence With Mainstem Net River In Sec 24, T46n, R34w 2,850 cfs 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 2,850 cfs II
1 Minle Southwest Of Delwood, Il (Sec. 18, T11s, R13e) To Reesville, 1/4 Mile South Of The Confluence With Sugar Creek 2 cfs ·
Bridge At Eddyville Blacktop To Confluence With Ohio River At Golconda,Il 2 cfs 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) 2 cfs ·
River runs FAQ

About Illinois river runs

What does whitewater class mean?

The international whitewater scale (Class I–VI) rates a river's difficulty. I is moving water with riffles. II is straightforward rapids with clear channels. III requires complex maneuvers in fast water. IV is intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring decisive boat handling. V is extremely long, obstructed, or violent rapids with significant hazard. VI is considered impossible to run.

Where does the Illinois streamflow data come from?

USGS streamgauges. Each Illinois paddle run is keyed to a specific gauge that paddlers and outfitters have agreed represents flow on that section. Gauges report every 15 minutes; we re-pull throughout the day.

What's a runnable level?

Run-specific. A creek that's classic at 200 cfs might be too low at 100 and dangerously flooded at 1,000. Always cross-reference with a guidebook or a Illinois paddling club for the run's accepted gauge ranges before launching.

Can I get an alert when a run hits prime flow?

Yes. Save any paddle run as a favorite in the Snoflo iOS app, set a flow window (e.g. "alert me between 800 and 1,500 cfs"), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses into range. Free with a Snoflo account.

Is this a substitute for local guidebooks and trip leaders?

No. Snoflo is informational. Always carry appropriate skills, gear, and a sober assessment of the day's flow. For high-consequence runs (Class IV+), paddle with people who know the run and never solo. American Whitewater is the authoritative source for U.S. river information.

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