Cottonwood River
Chase / Lyon Co. · 150 mi · Class I
483CFS/ 4.33 ft
Optimal→Stable· +26 cfs in 3h
Optimal: 200–2000 CFS · USGS #07182250
Length
Difficulty
Optimal
Avg Flow
Hist. Median
USGS Gauge
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve corridor · Chase County Scenic Area
The heart of the Flint Hills — the Cottonwood River flows through some of the last unplowed tallgrass prairie on earth. Limestone ledges, spring-fed tributaries, and sweeping prairie views define this underappreciated Kansas gem. The river passes near the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve and the historic town of Cottonwood Falls.
Trip sections
Marion to Cottonwood Falls — 50 mi, Flint Hills canyon, limestone riffles
Cottonwood Falls to Emporia — 40 mi, wider valley, tallgrass views
Outfitters
Cottonwood Falls Outfitters
Canoe and kayak rentals, Flint Hills shuttle service
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPSLoading forecast...
10-Year Flow Patterns
See 10 years of flow patterns for this river — historical analysis is a Pro feature.Upgrade to Pro →
Your Optimal Range
Set your personal optimal CFS window per river — custom ranges are a Pro feature.Upgrade to Pro →
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.