Best float periods are from:

• April-July
• September-October
• When river is high. Best floating conditions occur in the Spring or Fall, or anytime flow is above 120 cfs at the USGS Ames gauge.   Between Bear Creek (Sopers Mill) and Riverside Road there are several rocky riffles and small drops. These are most interesting at flows near 200-250 cfs. The USGS information can be found at: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ia/nwis/dv/?site_no=05470000

Distance: 33 miles

Time: Approximately 8 hours without stops from Story City Park below the dam to River Valley Park in Ames.

Hazards:

• Log jams are usual between Story City and Soper's Mill.
• A particulary large log jam is located just south of the Anderson Access.
• Sharp turns and other obstacles are present in many sections.
• Dam should be portaged on the north side above Riverside Road/Sleepy Hollow.
• Dam at River Valley Park must be portaged.

Interests:

• fishing for smallmouth bass and catfish;
• hiking trails;
• Primitive campsites are located on the greenbelt west of McFarland Park. Camping is no longer allowed at Bear Creek.

Water Trail Access Points:

• Story City Park - Broad Street, Story City
• E-18 Access - 1/4 mile east of 560th on County Road E-18 (130th Street)
• Anderson Access - 1/10th mile west of Pleasant Valley Road on 150th Street
• Soper's Access - Intersection of 170th Street and 563rd Avenue
• Peterson Access - 1 3/4 miles east of Highway 69 on 180th Street
• Sleepy Hollow - intersection of Riverside Road and Highway 69
• River Valley Park - 725 East 13th Street, Ames
• South 16th Street - Ames
• 265th Street Access - south of Ames on 265th Street.
• Askew Bridge - Corner of 290th St and R70.
• Shreck Access- south of Cambridge on Highway 210.