See all 6 routes on Cottonwood River
Minnesota | Southwest Minnesota
Cottonwood RiverSpringfield to Highway 4
Very long middle-Cottonwood public-access gap from Springfield Riverside Park to Highway 4. The 24.9-mile route has few legal exits and requires expert logistics, a large daylight margin, and conservative use of the upstream Springfield gauge.
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Route location
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Route overview
Trip details
Access rules, camping and seasonal notes.
Permits, camping and season
Access and shuttle
Plan the 24.9-mile Cottonwood River day from Springfield to Highway 4; allow 8–11 hours plus wood scouting and low-water delays. Check the live Springfield gauge against DNR guidance before launching.
Access map
Put-in
Cottonwood River, Springfield Public Water Access SiteSpringfield resolves in Minnesota public-water-access GIS as WAS01421 at river mile 56.3.
Take-out
Cottonwood River, Hwy 4 Public Water Access SiteHighway 4 resolves as WAS02675 at river mile 31.4 and is the selected finish; Theden's Landing is downstream and belongs to the next lower route family.
Road shuttle
Stage Highway 4 first, then drive back to Springfield Riverside Park. This is a long access-to-access gap, so confirm the gauge trend, bridge clearance, daylight, and a legal bailout plan before launching.
Additional access notes
- The Springfield gauge is upstream of the put-in. Use it as an official same-corridor check, then make same-day visual checks for depth, wood, and muddy exits.
More route and safety guidance
- This is a long access-to-access card. Do not start without daylight, realistic speed, and a legal bailout or pickup plan.
- DNR warns paddlers to check water levels and avoid dead or overhanging trees. Expect wood, muddy banks, and shallow bars to change after storms.
- Use the named public accesses only. Do not assume private farm banks or gravel bars are legal stops or campsites.
Plan this paddle
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Conditions
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Recent trend
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Gauge source
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Photos and recent reports
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Paddler reports
Recent notes from paddlers
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Sources and methodology
Review source dates and published guidance below. We have not inspected this trip in person.
NotesPublished evidence and verification notes
These notes cover the access details, route quirks, and source caveats most likely to matter once you get there.
- Official map routeSpringfield RM 56.3 to Highway 4 RM 31.4, about 24.9 miles
MN DNR Map 4 places Springfield, Highway 4, Theden's Landing, County Road 10, County Road 11, and Flandrau in downstream order across the Cottonwood water trail.
- Public access recordsWAS01421 to WAS02675
Minnesota public-water-access GIS resolves Springfield and Highway 4 as public Cottonwood River accesses with coordinates, launch data, directions, and river miles.
- Official DNR bands12.5 / 13.0-17.0 / 19.0 ft
MN DNR interprets the Springfield / County Road 2 gauge as Scrapable below 12.5 ft, Low from 12.5 to 13.0, Medium from 13.0 to 17.0, High from 17.0 to 19.0, and Very High above 19.0.
- Gauge check during route review · 2026-07-2412.86 ft at 2026-07-24 02:30 CDT
This reading was saved when we checked the guide. It is not today’s water level. Check the current gauge and local conditions before paddling.
- River characterNo major rapids; watch water levels and trees
MN DNR describes the Cottonwood as having no major rapids and being suitable for beginning paddlers, but warns to check water levels and avoid dead or overhanging trees.
Verify it yourselfCheck the source links
Use these links to double-check the gauge, route details, and access notes before you head out.
Other routes nearby
More on Cottonwood River
All 6Nearby routes within 75 miles
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