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"Where Paddling Is A Priority"
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CanoeSport Outfitters "Where Paddling Is A Priority" Home / About Us / Products / Events / Instruction /Adventure Trips / Rentals / CanoeSport Magazine |
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Lake Red Rock: Iowa's Best Kept Kayaking Secret If you enjoy sea kayaking, check out one of Iowa's best destinations right here in Central Iowa. Lake Red Rock, an impoundment on the Des Moines River offers miles of scenic cliffs and open water for paddlers.
Precautions Lake Red Rock is a large body of open water, which can develop large waves and difficult conditions. It is not the best place for first-time kayakers or inexperienced canoeists. Paddlers with short kayaks and large open cockpits (generally called recreational kayaks) should remain along the shore and paddle in warm water seasons. Additionally, rec kayaks used here should have supplemental flotation in both the bow and stern. All kayakers on Red Rock should be competent at doing deep water rescues. Solo paddlers will need to be able to do a solo paddlefloat re-entry. Whether canoeing or kayaking, watch the weather. A calm day can turn rough with just a small amount of wind. Know your skill level and practice your skills in whatever craft you decide to use.
Access is difficult along some parts of the lake. Getting out quickly isn't possible along some of the high, sheer sandstone cliffs. Finally, be careful when paddling early in the season or late in the fall. Cold water is the biggest nemesis for paddlers. Be aware of the conditions and don't exceed your ability to handle them. |
Elk Rock Route Sandstone cliffs along the southern shore near Elk Rock State Park highlight the area. Many of these rise 70 - 80' from the waters surface. There is even a sea cave or tunnel located along this stretch of shoreline. Paddlers typically start from one of the two boat ramps located in the park. The most popular is located right near the park entrance and the second is several miles further east, near the Ranger's house. This stretch from boat ramp to boat ramp is approximately five miles. Stops can be made in several of the bays and low, rocky beaches.
Backwater Beach & Indian Tree A second route also begins at the boat ramp just inside Elk Rock State Park. This route passes west under the mile long bridge and continues for a few miles to Indian Tree. This is an old tree stump in the water and many believe it resembles an Indian, which is how it gets its' name. Once again you'll view some high sandstone cliffs and experience some very scenic views of the lake. A few miles further west will bring you to a large, sandy beach. This is a great place to get out and explore, enjoy lunch, or catch some sun. This route is about 10- 12 miles round trip.
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Other Areas To Paddle The boat ramp at Cordova is another good place to start a trip on Red Rock. It is on the north shore, opposite the taller cliffs of Elk Rock. Heading west, under the mile long bridge is the most scenic route from this ramp. Heading south from the boat ramp near the ranger's house will take you into the large bay of Whitebreast Creek. This take you off the open lake and is a bit more protected. It isn't quite a scenic but makes for a fun day on the water. History The Des Moines River in the Lake Red Rock area was frequented by numerous Native American tribes in the 1700's and early 1800's. The Sac and Fox Indians were the last to claim the area and signed over their rights to it in 1842. Numerous small towns existed in the area of the lake. Many of these were frontier towns accomodating settlers and adventurers. The name Red Rock came from one of these towns which now lies beneath the lake. Other names such as Cordova, Percy, and Fifield were derived from what were once towns in the area.
Wildlife Lake Red Rock is a stopping point for many migratory species of birds. In both spring and fall, you'll find white pelicans visiting on their migration. In fact, more than 200 species of birds frequent the park, including bald eagles, herons, and egrets.
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203 West Salem Ave., Indianola, IA 50125 515-961-6117 or 1-800-257-6080 / e-mail: casey@canoesportoutfitters.com |
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