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Cottonwood River – 11 to 13 Section

Cottonwood River – 11 to 13 Section

Put-In and Take-Out

The put-in for this section is located on County Road 11 near the landfill. It has a parking lot and a decent path that leads to the stairs down to the river.

The take-out is located just under the County Road 13 bridge on river right. Most people just park their vehicles on the side of the road off the shoulder. For a longer trip, one can paddle down to Flandrau  State Park and take out there, or continue on down to Cottonwood Street and take out on river right just before the bridge.

Gradient

4.7 feet per mile

Length

10.4 miles (or 13.9 miles if you continue down to Cottonwood Street)

Opportunities for Play

There are multiple rapids on this section with multiple opportunities to practice eddy turns, peel-outs, and ferries

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Cottonwood River – 10 to 11 Section

Cottonwood River – 10 to 11 Section

Put-in and Take-out

Put in on the public landing (Marti Landing) on County Road 10. The entrance is on the left side and will sneak up on you. There is a gravel parking lot with plenty of room.

The take-out will be just before the next bridge on County Road 11. Get close to the left bank and watch for stairs leading up and that’s the take-out! For people running the 11 to 13 Section, this will be the put-in. This take-out/put-in has a parking lot and  a good path leading to the stairs that lead down to the river.

Gradient

6.2 feet per mile

Length

6.8 miles

Opportunities for Play

The First Five Rapids

There are five rapids with good enough eddy service to practice some eddy turns, peel-outs, ferries, and jet ferries (from a novice perspective). The fifth rapid is the longest, with the strongest current, the best wave train, and the best test of everything you had practiced on the way down. As a beginner, this will be where you’ll want to do some ferry practice and making sure you’re able to keep your bow facing upstream.

After the fifth rapid, there are still some minor rapids ahead with some play opportunities, but by that time you should have worn yourself out so take your time and enjoy the scenery!