About
Elkhorn River, Nebraska — 1804 Lewis Clark, 1840s-1880s Ranching, 1990s-2010s Elkhorn Water Trail 290-mi Norfolk. Designated as the Elkhorn River Water Trail in 2019, this 290-mile prairie river carries an average 1,400 CFS through Antelope and Dodge counties on its way to the Platte confluence. The Omaha and Ponca called it the Elk Antler River before European contact. At optimal flows between 300-3,000 CFS (gauge 06798900), the Elkhorn offers Class I water through three distinct sections. The upper 70 miles from Norfolk to West Point feature prairie riffles and smaller water. West Point to Fremont spans 60 miles of wider channel with sandbar camping opportunities. The final 30 miles from Fremont to the Platte confluence run bigger water through the lower Elkhorn valley. Elkhorn River Adventures provides outfitting services along the water trail system.
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and access points may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level.