EOH Explorer Series | A Different View of the North Raccoon River

If signs that say River Access, One Lane Bridge, Gravel Ends or Level B Road make you want to turn instead of keep driving, I have an area of rural Iowa for you to explore.

And you don’t even have to get in a kayak. But I did.

The North Raccoon River Water Trail winds through a part of western Iowa that is very familiar to me. I grew up just a few miles from here. My family fished the river, and I’ve driven these gravel roads from farm to farm and through this countryside more times than I could count. But kayaking or tubing the river? That wasn’t something we did growing up.

It took until adulthood for me to see this familiar place from an entirely different perspective.

Seeing Home From the River

We made an afternoon of kayaking the North Raccoon River, and what surprised me most was how quickly everything else seemed to disappear.

Once you’re on the water, you’re surrounded by trees, wildlife and stretches of river that feel almost completely undisturbed. There were moments when I found myself thinking that the view probably hadn’t changed all that much in hundreds of years.

No buildings. No traffic. No packed attraction or itinerary to follow.

Just the river.

And while I wouldn’t necessarily introduce myself as an avid kayaker, I really did enjoy it.

There’s something about floating along with a small group, talking when you want to talk and simply taking in the scenery when you don’t. Late summer gave us thick green foliage along the riverbanks, but I kept thinking how beautiful this trip would be once the leaves begin changing in the fall.

That said, our peaceful float did include a few lessons.

Lesson #1: Check the Water Level

Our trip happened when the river was pretty low.

There was definitely floating.

There was also definitely pulling.

At several points, we had to get out and pull the kayaks through shallow areas. It’s doable, but checking river conditions before you leave could make the difference between a relaxing paddle and getting a much better workout than you planned.

Which brings me to lesson number two.

Lesson #2: Wear Water Shoes

I wore plastic sandals.

Do not follow my example.

While pulling my kayak through one of the shallow sections, I managed to lose my footing and take a full spill into the river.

Thankfully, it was hot and the water actually felt pretty good. I laughed at myself, got back up and kept going.

But next time? Water shoes. Absolutely water shoes.

A Little Planning Goes a Long Way

This is also one of those adventures where you need to think through the logistics before putting your kayak in the water.

Unless you’ve figured out how to make your vehicle float downstream behind you, you’ll want two vehicles. Leave one near your ending access point and use the other to get everyone and the kayaks to where you’re starting.

Bring life jackets, plenty of water, snacks and a waterproof case for your phone. A picnic waiting at the end would also be a pretty great way to finish the trip.

And since we’re sharing the things travel brochures don’t always tell you: restroom options are limited.

Dickson Timber near Merritt Access has a newer pit toilet restroom. Along the river itself, however, nature is pretty much providing the facilities.

Plan accordingly. Ladies, you may want to mentally prepare for the possibility that squatting in the woods becomes part of your outdoor adventure.

I told you this was the practical travel guide. 😉

You Don’t Have to Kayak to Explore Here

One of my favorite things about this area is that the river doesn’t have to be your entire destination.

There are several access points and public areas to explore, including North Raccoon Access, Andrews Access, Merritt Access and Dickson Timber.

Dickson Timber adds another layer to the trip with horse trails, equestrian camping areas, hitching posts and other outdoor recreation opportunities.

Even if kayaking isn’t your thing, this is the kind of area where you can pack a lunch, take the back roads and spend an afternoon exploring. Follow the river. Turn when you see an interesting public access sign. Stop somewhere you’ve driven past a dozen times but never actually visited.

That’s really what I took away from this trip.

I grew up only a few miles away, yet getting onto the river showed me a side of this landscape I’d never experienced before.

Sometimes exploring rural Iowa doesn’t mean driving hours from home or finding a place you’ve never heard of. Sometimes it’s looking at somewhere familiar from a completely different angle.

Even if that angle occasionally involves falling into the river.

Annie’s List – Know Before You Go

• Check the river level first. Low water can mean less kayaking and a lot more getting out and pulling your kayak through shallow sections.
• Wear actual water shoes. Plastic sandals did not pass the test. After taking a spill while pulling my kayak through the river, this is the number one thing I would change next time.
• Plan for two vehicles. Leave one vehicle at your ending access and use the other to transport everyone and the kayaks to your starting point.
• Bring your own gear. You’ll need a kayak or tube, properly fitted life jacket and any other water gear you need for your trip.
• Protect your phone. A waterproof phone case or dry bag is a very good idea. Take it from someone who ended up unexpectedly sitting in the river.
• Pack water and snacks. Better yet, leave a picnic at your ending point and make an afternoon of it.
• Know the restroom situation. Dickson Timber near Merritt has a newer pit toilet restroom, but facilities along the river are limited. Be prepared for nature to be your restroom. Yes, that may mean squatting in the woods.
• Consider Merritt or North Raccoon Access. Parking varies by access point, with some gravel or grassy parking areas.
• Explore beyond the water. North Raccoon Access, Andrews Access, Merritt Access and Dickson Timber give you several places to discover. Dickson Timber also has horse trails, equestrian camping areas and hitching posts.
• You don’t have to kayak. Pack a lunch and take a drive through the area. The river accesses, back roads, wooded areas and rural scenery make this a worthwhile place to explore from land, too.
• Go during daylight hours. Summer and fall are both great choices. Late summer brings lush green scenery, while fall should make for a beautiful color-filled trip.
• For families: I’d recommend this kayaking experience for kids around 10 and older or younger kids who are already comfortable and experienced in a kayak.
• Pets: A kayaking-loving dog could come along, but use your judgment based on your pet, water conditions and kayaking experience.

Annie’s biggest advice: Wear the water shoes. Check the water level. You’ll have a much better day.