Kayaking & Canoeing the West Fork Des Moines River
Iowa paddling guide
- 89 mi
- River mapped
- 28
- Boat launches
- 3
- Campgrounds
- 4
- Counties
The West Fork Des Moines River is one of Iowa's paddling rivers, tracing roughly 89 mi through Emmet, Humboldt, Palo Alto and Pocahontas Counties. Whether you're kayaking, canoeing or tubing, this guide maps every public boat launch and access point on the West Fork Des Moines River, the campgrounds nearby, and the live gauge readings you need to plan a safe day paddling in Iowa.
Boat launches & access points on the West Fork Des Moines River
28 public access points for putting in and taking out.
- ▸2nd Ave. SEmmet Co.
- ▸4th Street BridgeEmmet Co.
- ▸Basswood Recreation AreaPalo Alto Co.
- ▸Bradgate Access
- ▸Brushy Bayou Wildlife AreaPalo Alto Co.
- ▸City Park
- ▸Des Moines River DamHumboldt Co.
- ▸Graettinger AccessPalo Alto Co.
- ▸Hamms Bridge AccessPocahontas Co.
- ▸Joe Hoye Memorial ParkEmmet Co.
- ▸Joe Sheldon ParkHumboldt Co.
- ▸Lake Nokomis Boat RampHumboldt Co.
- ▸Mike Mickelson ParkEmmet Co.
- ▸North Riverside ParkEmmet Co.
- ▸North Trail HeadEmmet Co.
- ▸Oxbow AccessHumboldt Co.
- ▸Peterson AccessEmmet Co.
- ▸River Hills AccessEmmet Co.
- ▸River Runner AccessPalo Alto Co.
- ▸Riverview Wildlife AreaPalo Alto Co.
- ▸Rutland Utility DamHumboldt Co.
- ▸School Creek AccessEmmet Co.
- ▸Stearn's Woods
- ▸Sumner Bridge AccessHumboldt Co.
- ▸Traveler's Park AccessHumboldt Co.
- ▸Watson Heritage Wildlife AreaPalo Alto Co.
- ▸West Fork Wildlife AreaPalo Alto Co.
- ▸Willows AccessHumboldt Co.
Camping near the West Fork Des Moines River
- ⛺Anderson Prairie AccessEmmet Co.
- ⛺Campground
- ⛺Campground
Live West Fork Des Moines River conditions
River levels change fast. Before you launch, check the live USGS gauges, weather radar and flood-safety status for the West Fork Des Moines River on the interactive Iowa Paddle map. It flags dangerous high water and dams so you can paddle safely.
Paddle more of Iowa
The West Fork Des Moines River is just one of dozens of paddleable rivers in the state. Browse the full guide to kayaking & canoeing every river in Iowa.