Loup River
Howard / Nance Co. · 70 mi · Class I
1,590CFS/ 5.59 ft
Optimal→Stable· +120 cfs in 3h
Optimal: 500–3000 CFS · USGS #06792500
Length
Difficulty
Optimal
Avg Flow
Hist. Median
USGS Gauge
Nebraska Wildlife Management Area corridor
A wide, braided prairie river winding through central Nebraska farmland. The Loup's shallow, sand-bottomed channels shift constantly, creating a dynamic landscape of sandbars, islands, and cottonwood galleries. Named for the Pawnee ('Loup' — French for 'wolf'), the river is a living remnant of the Great Plains waterscape.
Trip sections
St. Paul to Fullerton — 35 mi, braided sand channels, sandbars
Fullerton to Columbus — 35 mi, wider valley, cottonwood galleries
Outfitters
Loup River Canoe Rentals
Seasonal canoe and kayak rentals, shuttle service
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPSLoading forecast...
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.