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Iowa | Central Iowa
Des Moines RiverSouth Fraser Ramp to Waterworks Upstream Access / E-26
Official Boone County Des Moines River water-trail float below the Fraser dam portage to the upstream Waterworks/E-26 access, with meandered-stream camping context and a firm stop above the Boone Waterworks rapids.
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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
Launch below the Fraser dam portage at South Fraser and take out at Waterworks Upstream / E-26 before the Boone Waterworks rock-arch rapids.
Access map
Put-in
South Fraser RampDo not run the Fraser dam; this card begins at South Fraser after the portage/relaunch boundary.
Take-out
Waterworks Upstream Access / E-26Waterworks Upstream / E-26 is a hard stop unless a separate Boone Waterworks rapids or portage plan is staged.
Road shuttle
Stage the Waterworks Upstream / E-26 take-out first, then launch from South Fraser only after confirming the Fraser portage/relaunch area and current ramp condition.
Additional access notes
- Saved coordinates are practical access-area anchors from official DNR/USACE map labels; use current signs for the exact ramp approach.
More route and safety guidance
- Waterworks Upstream / E-26 is the planned take-out above the Boone Waterworks rock-arch rapids. Stop there unless a separate rapids or portage plan is staged.
- The Stratford gauge is upstream and cannot show wood, silted ramps, or local dam approach hydraulics in Boone County.
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Conditions
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Station details and river cameras
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Measurement notes and coverage
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River camera · USGS
View at the gauge
Des Moines River near Stratford, IA. This view may be outside your paddling reach. Images are periodic and do not establish safe conditions.
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 route and mileageSouth Fraser to Waterworks Upstream/E-26, about 5 mi
The Iowa DNR Boone County map labels South Fraser at river mile 249 and E-26/Waterworks access near river mile 244.
- Dam and portage boundaryFraser dam portage; Waterworks rapids ahead
Iowa DNR says the Fraser low-head dam is not recommended and is bypassed by North and South Fraser plus the portage trail; it also identifies Waterworks upstream/downstream accesses for avoiding the rock-arch rapids.
- Gauge check during route review · 2026-07-23USGS 05481300 1,020 cfs / 5.76 ft
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.
- Boone County water trail38 river miles and 8 ramps
Boone County says this state water trail has signs, informational kiosks, approximately 38 river miles, and eight boat ramps, while warning users about the Fraser and Boone Waterworks dams.
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
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