Vermilion River
★ Wild & Scenic
LaSalle Co. · 30 mi · Class I–III
1,320CFS/ 6.16 ft
Above Optimal
→Stable· -30 cfs in 3h
Optimal: 300–1200 CFS · USGS #05555300
⚡Flow data is live from USGS·Rapid classifications and CFS ranges need community verification·Know this river?
30 mi
Length
Class I–III
Difficulty
300–1200 cfs
Optimal
680 cfs
Avg Flow
610 cfs
Hist. Median
#05555300
USGS Gauge
National Wild & Scenic River (1981) · Matthiessen State Park

The only whitewater river in Illinois. The Vermilion cuts through sandstone canyons near Starved Rock and Matthiessen state parks — Class I–III rapids through forested gorges in an otherwise flat state. A genuine surprise for Midwestern paddlers.

Trip sections
Oglesby to LaSalle — Class I–III, canyon section
Matthiessen SP side canyons — hiking access only
Outfitters
Heritage Harbor Sports
Vermilion River kayak rentals, Ottawa IL
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.