Cache River
Johnson / Pulaski Co. · 60 mi · Class I
30.9CFS/ 9.81 ft
Below Optimal
→Stable
Optimal: 100–500 CFS · USGS #03612000
⚡Flow data is live from USGS·Rapid classifications and CFS ranges need community verification·Know this river?
60 mi
Length
Class I
Difficulty
100–500 cfs
Optimal
380 cfs
Avg Flow
340 cfs
Hist. Median
#03612000
USGS Gauge
National Natural Landmark · Ramsar Wetland of International Importance · Cache River State Natural Area

An ancient cypress swamp in southern Illinois — the Cache River Natural Area contains 1,000-year-old bald cypress trees and is a National Natural Landmark. Flatwater paddling through a landscape that looks more like Louisiana than the Midwest. One of the most ecologically significant wetlands in the interior United States.

Trip sections
Lower Cache — Cypress swamp, prime paddling
Heron Pond — old-growth bald cypress, walk-in only
Outfitters
Shawnee Forest Outfitters
Cache River paddle tours, seasonal
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPS
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10-Year Flow Patterns
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Data Quality

River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.