Activities at your forest preserves

River segment

Approximate float time (subject to water level)

Notes

Van Patten Woods Canoe Launch to Wadsworth Road Canoe Launch
6.25 river miles

3-4 hours

Shallow section of the river; may involve portaging, especially if the Russell Road gauge reads below 10cfs.

Wadsworth Road Canoe Launch to Gowe Park canoe launch (Gurnee Park District)
6.2 miles

3-4 hours

Beware of frequent obstacles such as beaver dams and log jams, which you should portage around.

Gowe Park to Independence Grove Canoe Launch
5.1 miles

2-3 hours

Be aware of beaver dams & log jams, especially above Washington street. Ad hoc launch also available at Route 120. At very high water, be aware of the two bridges at the monastery; you may have to portage.

Independence Grove Canoe Launch to Oak Spring Road Canoe Launch
2.7 miles

1-1 1/2  hours

Expect to wade through shallow spots if the Gurnee gauge is below 35cfs.

Oak Spring Road Canoe Launch to Route 60 Canoe Launch
4.6 miles

2-3 hours

This section of river is predominantly free of log jams.

Route 60 Canoe Launch to Rivershire Park (Lincolnshire Park District)
4.5 miles

2-3 hours

This section of river is predominantly free of log jams.

Rivershire Park (Lincolnshire Park District) to Dam #1 Woods (Forest Preserve District of Cook County)
5.9 miles

2 1/2 - 3 1/2 hours

Portage required at Ryerson Woods Dam, river left. Take-out on river right just upstream of Dam #1. Additional ad hoc launch at Potawatomi Woods, just south of Lake-Cook Road.