Indiana river runs
Live streamflow, whitewater class, and length for every paddleable section in Indiana with a named USGS gauge. Built for kayakers, rafters, and canoeists.
Indiana paddle map
See which Indiana runs are in right now
Every run and gauge on one live map:
- Runnable now — too low, in range or too high
- Gauges — every river vs its normal flow
- Rain coming — 24/48/72-hr forecast, press play
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Indiana river runs today
What’s in range, the best bets by class and what’s running high — from live USGS gauges.
Indiana may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about whitewater rafting and kayaking, but the state actually offers some exciting opportunities for enthusiasts. One popular destination is the East Race Waterway in South Bend, which is a man-made whitewater course located in the heart of the city. This course provides a fun and challenging experience for both beginners and more experienced paddlers, with class II and III rapids to navigate. A streamflow level of at least 250 cubic feet per second is recommended for optimal conditions.
Another great spot for whitewater kayaking in Indiana is the Blue River, located in southern Indiana near the town of Fredericksburg. This beautiful river offers a mix of class I and II rapids, making it a great choice for paddlers of all skill levels. The best time to kayak the Blue River is typically in the spring when water levels are higher, but be sure to check streamflow levels before heading out. Remember to always wear a helmet and a personal flotation device, and consider taking a whitewater safety course before tackling more challenging rapids. With its diverse range of rivers and rapids, Indiana is a hidden gem for whitewater enthusiasts looking for a thrilling adventure closer to home.
Indiana paddle report
| River run | Streamflow | Status | Runnable range | Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junction Of North/South Forks Of Lost River To State Road 337 Bridge, Approx 4 Miles Southeast Of Orleans, In | 861 cfs | Too low | 1,219–16,534 cfstypical | · |
| State Road 337 Bridge To State Road 56 Bridge At Prospect, In | 1,030 cfs | Too low | 3,234–16,697 cfstypical | I-II |
| State Road 56 Bridge To Forest Purchase Boundary At Roland, In | 1,030 cfs | Too low | 3,234–16,697 cfstypical | II-III |
| City Limits Of English, In To Carnes Mill Site In Ne1/4ne1/4 Of Sec 13, T3s, R1w | 31 cfs | Too low | 364–1,232 cfstypical | · |
| Carnes Mill Site To 7.65 Miles Above Confluece With Ohio River At Confluence With Turkey Creek | 31 cfs | Too low | 364–1,232 cfstypical | II-III+ |
About Indiana 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 Indiana streamflow data come from?
USGS streamgauges. Each Indiana 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 Indiana 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.