Iowa | Southeast Iowa
Skunk RiverCottonwood Loop to Sycamore Loop, Welter Recreation Area
A short, county-supported Skunk River float from the Cottonwood Loop gravel boat ramp to the developed Sycamore Loop campground at Welter Recreation Area near Augusta.
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Route overview
Trip details
Access rules, camping and seasonal notes.
Permits, camping and season
Access and shuttle
A short, public-access Skunk River float inside Welter Recreation Area with a gravel upstream ramp and a developed downstream campground finish.
Access map
Put-in
Cottonwood Loop gravel boat ramp, Welter Recreation AreaCottonwood is a day-use access with a gravel ramp; its posted rules prohibit camping, fires, loitering, and obstructing the ramp.
Take-out
Sycamore Loop campground landing, Welter Recreation AreaSycamore is the developed downstream loop, but the county describes the riverbank landing as steep and rocky; inspect the landing before committing to the finish.
Road shuttle
Stage the vehicle at Sycamore Loop first, then drive to the Cottonwood Loop ramp. Confirm both marked access points and the campground landing before unloading.
Additional access notes
- The app stores the county-linked Google Maps coordinates as defensible access-area anchors; they are not survey-grade water-edge points.
- The county notes that a historic rock dam remnant can be visible at low water. Portage or turn back from any obstruction that is not clearly safe at the day's flow.
- The direct USGS station is at Augusta, immediately downstream of the Welter corridor; local rain, debris, and shallow conditions can differ from the reported value.
More route and safety guidance
- The county describes the normal-summer reach as shallow and slow, and warns that the Sycamore campground landing is steep and rocky. Use the marked public ramp/landing only.
- Avoid any old dam, ledge, or obstruction that is not clearly passable at the day's flow; portage or turn back rather than improvising a private-bank exit.
- Wear a properly fitted PFD, carry a whistle and communication device, and follow Iowa boating and PFD rules. Rising water, debris, and local storms can make the direct gauge misleading.
- Cottonwood is day-use only; Sycamore provides the documented endpoint campground. Do not camp on intervening private banks.
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Conditions
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Station details and river cameras
Station observations
USGS measurements
Measurement notes and coverage
These are observations at the station. Water depth and current can differ along your trip.
River camera · USGS
View at the gauge
Skunk River at Augusta, 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
A few quick notes from people who were on this route recently.
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Sources and methodology
Review source dates and published guidance below. We have not inspected this trip in person.
Why this scoreData reliability: checking
This rating reflects whether the gauge measures this part of the river, whether published water-level guidance is available, and how recently the data was updated.
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Data behind the scoreWater levels, published guidance and update times
These readings and published water-level limits help explain today’s score.
| Gauge site | Skunk River at Augusta, IA |
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| Preferred range | Needs paddler reports |
| Known low-water floor | 287 cfs |
| High threshold | Water-level guidance unavailable |
| Evidence strength behind the range | Official data source |
| Gauge observed | Checking |
| Paddle Today updated | Checking |
| Main source behind this score | Iowa Administrative Code protected flow at Skunk River Augusta (minimum-only floor; not a paddling guarantee) |
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NotesPublished evidence and verification notes
These notes cover the access details, route quirks, and source caveats most likely to matter once you get there.
- Route and accessCottonwood Loop to Sycamore Loop
Des Moines County Conservation identifies Cottonwood as the upstream day-use boat ramp and Sycamore as the downstream developed loop; the county's float guidance specifically describes putting in at Cottonwood and finishing at the campground area.
- Public put-inCottonwood Loop gravel boat ramp, 18671 Skunk River Road
The county lists Cottonwood as a day-use river access with a gravel boat ramp and gives the public address and ramp rules.
- Public take-out and campingSycamore Loop, 16839 Skunk River Road
The county identifies Sycamore as the farthest-downstream loop with 18 campsites, restrooms, and a developed landing area; campsites are first-come, first-served and campground dates must be checked.
- Direct gaugeUSGS 05474000 Skunk River at Augusta
USGS publishes continuous discharge and gage-height conditions for the Augusta station; use the live value and trend before launching.
- Minimum-only flow reference287 cfs protected flow
Iowa Administrative Code lists 287 cfs at the Augusta USGS station. This is a regulatory protected-flow floor, not a recreational threshold or guarantee; visual scouting remains mandatory.
- Local paddling contextNormal low-water summer float; about 2.5 river miles between Welter loops
Des Moines County describes the Skunk as a shallow, slow summer float and identifies Cottonwood-to-Sycamore as the upstream/downstream Welter corridor; its event material also documents longer Cottonwood floats.
Verify it yourselfCheck the source links
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