Medina River
Bandera / Medina Co. · 120 mi · Class I–II
9.11CFS/ 3.32 ft
Below Optimal→Stable
Optimal: 50–500 CFS · USGS #08178880
Length
Difficulty
Optimal
Avg Flow
Hist. Median
USGS Gauge
Bandera City Park River Access · Medina River Natural Area (San Antonio)
The Medina River flows through Bandera — the self-proclaimed Cowboy Capital of the World — and the western Hill Country. Above Medina Lake, the river runs clear and cold over limestone bedrock through cypress-lined canyons. A classic small Hill Country river with swimming holes, tubing runs, and a laid-back ranch-country atmosphere.
Trip sections
Above Medina Lake — 30 mi, spring-fed canyon, best paddling
Bandera to Medina Lake — 20 mi, town section, tubing
Below Medina Lake — 70 mi, wider valley to San Antonio River confluence
Outfitters
Medina River Company
Tubing and kayak rentals in Bandera, TX
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.