Middle Loup River
🏔 Scenic River
Blaine / Custer Co. · 220 mi · Class I
523CFS/ 3.16 ft
Optimal
→Stable
Optimal: 200–1000 CFS · USGS #06775500
⚡Flow data is live from USGS·Rapid classifications and CFS ranges need community verification·Know this river?
220 mi
Length
Class I
Difficulty
200–1000 cfs
Optimal
480 cfs
Avg Flow
432 cfs
Hist. Median
#06775500
USGS Gauge
Nebraska Sandhills candidate Scenic River

One of Nebraska's clearest rivers — the Middle Loup flows crystal-clear from the heart of the Sandhills, fed entirely by Ogallala Aquifer springs. The consistent spring flow maintains remarkable water clarity year-round, with visibility exceeding 10 feet. A Sandhills treasure for paddlers seeking solitude and pristine water.

Trip sections
Dunning to Milburn — 40 mi, spring-fed meadow stream, crystal clear
Milburn to Sargent — 50 mi, wider channel, sandbars and riffles
Outfitters
Sandhills River Trips
Dunning-based outfitter, canoe and kayak rentals
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPS
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10-Year Flow Patterns
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Your Optimal Range
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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.