Post by Steve King (Admin) on Jun 24, 2004 11:31:30 GMT -6
Is it your first time to the Current River? Well, here are my recommendations for Floating/Camping along the Current River:
1) Float/Camp any stretch of the upper Current River from Cedar Grove to Two Rivers (The 8 miles above Cedar Grove are only recommended if the water levels aren't too low, which can be the case during the summer). This, in my mind, is the absolute "BEST" 44 miles of river Missouri has to offer due to it having the "Total package". What do I mean by the "Total package"? Well, first off, it' has both swiftness and it has its periods of calmness. But trust me, the rapids way outweigh the calmess. You won't have to worry about a lot of paddling. It has a gradient drop of 8.7 feet per mile down to Akers and then 5 feet per mile from Akers to Two Rivers.
2) If you want to stop a lot on this stretch of the river, you can make 8 miles last about 5-6 hours. Not stopping a lot, 8 miles would last about 3-4 hours.
3) There are many beautiful springs alon this 44 mile stretch, such as Welch Spring, Cave Spring, Pulltite Spring and Round Spring.
4) There are numerous gravel bars and a few sand bars along this stretch to camp at in "total" seclusion.
5) There are stores at Akers, Pulltite, Round Spring and Two Rivers if you need supplies along your journey.
6) The water is crystal clear and 58-60 degrees year round (Except during spring rains where it becomes murky/muddy for short periods). In July or August you really won't have to worry about this unless there is a major sudden down pour. Then you'll need to take shelter at high ground quickly due to the possibility of a flash flood.
7) The fishing is excellent. The Current River is known for it's rainbow trout and an occasional more elusive brown trout. If you plan on fishing, make sure you pay the extra few bucks for a trout stamp on your fishing license.
8) Bring a mask, since the water is soooooooooooooo clear, it is great to see the underworld
9) There will be "NO" houses or buildings along your trip due to this is a "protected scenic riverways". Nothing, except nature on either side of the river for miles.
10) I would recommend, if you can, rent a canoe from one of the outfitters (or if you have a canoe) and leave your vehicle at your "take out, ending" point. When I rent from Akers (which is right on the river), I park there, rent the canoe, and they take me and the canoe up to Cedar Grove for my trip down. Then, all I have to do is float down to my truck. This is great knowing that my truck will be right there when the trip ends and I don't have to catch a bus ride to my vehicle. Rentals places along this 44 mile stretch where you have this option are: Akers Ferry Canoe Rental, Pulltite, Round Spring & Two Rivers. Just my thoughts.
*****Here are my recommended floats*******
1 day (8 miles) Float Cedar Grove to Akers, renting a canoe from Akers.
Short 2 day/1 night (17 miles) Float Cedar Grove to Pulltite, renting a canoe from Pulltite
Long 2 day/1 night (27 miles) Float Cedar Grove to Round Spring, renting a canoe from Round Spring
3 day/2 night (44 miles) Float Cedar Grove to Two Rivers, renting a canoe from Two Rivers.
NOTE: There are other outfitters to rent from too, all which are great, but I have noted the above due to the point that you can float to about walking distance of your vehicle without having to take a bus ride back up to your vehicle. This is just a personal preference.
NOTE: RESERVATIONS ARE ONLY REQUIRED ON SATURDAYS THROUGHOUT THE SEASON FOR RENTALS, WHICH IS THE BUSIEST DAY FOR THE OUTFITTERS. THEREFORE, IF YOU WANT MORE SECLUSION, THEN CHOOSE OTHER DAYS TO FLOAT.
The best camping sites are not accesible, but by canoe. If you would like access to a site along the river by vehicle, then I would either recommend Parkers Hollow on the far upper Current (only 2-3 sites, first come first serve, no-pay) or Cedar Grove ($5 per night, many sites).
You can track how many miles that you float by the landmarks (ie. Springs, creeks, caves, etc.) Just be sure to get a map at the outfitter when you rent your canoe.
Trust me, you are in for a major treat if you choose the upper Current River. I guarantee it! Feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
Regards,
The Webmaster
1) Float/Camp any stretch of the upper Current River from Cedar Grove to Two Rivers (The 8 miles above Cedar Grove are only recommended if the water levels aren't too low, which can be the case during the summer). This, in my mind, is the absolute "BEST" 44 miles of river Missouri has to offer due to it having the "Total package". What do I mean by the "Total package"? Well, first off, it' has both swiftness and it has its periods of calmness. But trust me, the rapids way outweigh the calmess. You won't have to worry about a lot of paddling. It has a gradient drop of 8.7 feet per mile down to Akers and then 5 feet per mile from Akers to Two Rivers.
2) If you want to stop a lot on this stretch of the river, you can make 8 miles last about 5-6 hours. Not stopping a lot, 8 miles would last about 3-4 hours.
3) There are many beautiful springs alon this 44 mile stretch, such as Welch Spring, Cave Spring, Pulltite Spring and Round Spring.
4) There are numerous gravel bars and a few sand bars along this stretch to camp at in "total" seclusion.
5) There are stores at Akers, Pulltite, Round Spring and Two Rivers if you need supplies along your journey.
6) The water is crystal clear and 58-60 degrees year round (Except during spring rains where it becomes murky/muddy for short periods). In July or August you really won't have to worry about this unless there is a major sudden down pour. Then you'll need to take shelter at high ground quickly due to the possibility of a flash flood.
7) The fishing is excellent. The Current River is known for it's rainbow trout and an occasional more elusive brown trout. If you plan on fishing, make sure you pay the extra few bucks for a trout stamp on your fishing license.
8) Bring a mask, since the water is soooooooooooooo clear, it is great to see the underworld
9) There will be "NO" houses or buildings along your trip due to this is a "protected scenic riverways". Nothing, except nature on either side of the river for miles.
10) I would recommend, if you can, rent a canoe from one of the outfitters (or if you have a canoe) and leave your vehicle at your "take out, ending" point. When I rent from Akers (which is right on the river), I park there, rent the canoe, and they take me and the canoe up to Cedar Grove for my trip down. Then, all I have to do is float down to my truck. This is great knowing that my truck will be right there when the trip ends and I don't have to catch a bus ride to my vehicle. Rentals places along this 44 mile stretch where you have this option are: Akers Ferry Canoe Rental, Pulltite, Round Spring & Two Rivers. Just my thoughts.
*****Here are my recommended floats*******
1 day (8 miles) Float Cedar Grove to Akers, renting a canoe from Akers.
Short 2 day/1 night (17 miles) Float Cedar Grove to Pulltite, renting a canoe from Pulltite
Long 2 day/1 night (27 miles) Float Cedar Grove to Round Spring, renting a canoe from Round Spring
3 day/2 night (44 miles) Float Cedar Grove to Two Rivers, renting a canoe from Two Rivers.
NOTE: There are other outfitters to rent from too, all which are great, but I have noted the above due to the point that you can float to about walking distance of your vehicle without having to take a bus ride back up to your vehicle. This is just a personal preference.
NOTE: RESERVATIONS ARE ONLY REQUIRED ON SATURDAYS THROUGHOUT THE SEASON FOR RENTALS, WHICH IS THE BUSIEST DAY FOR THE OUTFITTERS. THEREFORE, IF YOU WANT MORE SECLUSION, THEN CHOOSE OTHER DAYS TO FLOAT.
The best camping sites are not accesible, but by canoe. If you would like access to a site along the river by vehicle, then I would either recommend Parkers Hollow on the far upper Current (only 2-3 sites, first come first serve, no-pay) or Cedar Grove ($5 per night, many sites).
You can track how many miles that you float by the landmarks (ie. Springs, creeks, caves, etc.) Just be sure to get a map at the outfitter when you rent your canoe.
Trust me, you are in for a major treat if you choose the upper Current River. I guarantee it! Feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
Regards,
The Webmaster
