About
Medina Dam — Largest in Texas, 1912. Spring-fed canyon water cuts through Bandera and Medina counties for 120 miles, with the upper 30 miles above Medina Lake offering the best paddling on clear limestone runs. The Medina River averages 140 CFS through mostly Class I-II water, optimal between 50-500 CFS on USGS gauge 08178880. The 20-mile Bandera to Medina Lake section passes through town and draws tubing traffic, while below the lake the river widens through 70 miles of valley before joining the San Antonio River. Medina River Company runs commercial trips on the system. The San Antonio reach includes the Medina River Natural Area, and Bandera maintains a city park river access upstream. Spring flow keeps water temperatures moderate year-round through the upper canyon sections where limestone bluffs define the corridor.
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.