Turkey River
Winneshiek / Clayton Co. · 160 mi · Class I
3,670CFS/ 10.36 ft
Above Optimal→Stable· -30 cfs in 3h
Water temp: 51°F — Hypothermia risk, wear a drysuit
Optimal: 200–1,500 CFS · USGS #05412500
Length
Difficulty
Optimal
Avg Flow
Hist. Median
USGS Gauge
Iowa Water Trail · Driftless Area
Flowing 160 miles through the heart of Iowa's Driftless Area, the Turkey River winds beneath towering limestone bluffs and through deep hardwood valleys that escaped glaciation. The lower reaches near Elkader and Garber feature some of the most dramatic bluff scenery in the Midwest.
Trip sections
Upper — Cresco to Fort Atkinson, 40 mi, rolling hills
Middle — Fort Atkinson to Elkader, 50 mi, deepening valley
Lower — Elkader to Mississippi, 50 mi, limestone bluffs
Outfitters
Turkey River Canoe Rental
Canoe and kayak shuttle service for Turkey River water trail
72-Hour Flow Forecast
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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.