Eagle River
06. Edwards to Eagle(Lower Eagle)
| Difficulty | II-III |
| Length | 15.8 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 36 fpm |
| Gauge | Eagle River Below Milk Creek Near Wolcott, Co |
| Flow Rate as of 23 minutes | 663 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | June 23, 2024 |
River Description
The Eagle River is a popular run with rafters, beginner and intermediate kayakers, fishermen becaue its mostly Class II with a few Class III rapids and some good surf waves here and there.
Below the HWY 131 bridge after a sharp right turn in the river is Trestle Rapid which can be scouted river right and looking from the bridge. Read and run.
At the intersection of the river and the Interstate 70 bridge is Interstate Rapid.
Dead Cow Rapid is the last real rapid in this stretch of river. It is a straightforward wave train with a hole in the middle that hit. Don’t let it getcha. Just roll.
Dead Cow can be scouted from HWY 6 about mile marker 154 - there is a pullout marked as a day use area
The rest of the runout is Class II.
If you’re feeling frisky you can run “Rumble Seat” a Class IV rapid downstream of the takeout at Chambers Park.
River Features
Put In
Alternate Access Point
Take Out
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportWe ran this late May 2021. Flow was right around 1000 cfs. Runnable but definitely scraped over more than a few rocks and got stuck a couple of times. I would recommend putting out just after the Eagle County Fairgrounds instead of the public park area.
We ran this section 3 June 2012 at about 1000 cfs in a 14' raft. It was our maiden voyage and we only had two paddlers and it was a perfect water level for us. We got hung up on a few rocks that we didn't see, but other than that it was great. The only significant rapid (Janet's?) is just downstream of the old train trestle (bridge) downstream from Wolcott. There are signs directing you to scout from river right. The run is through the right side of the bridge (right of the pylon in the middle) and then a move to the left after the bridge to avoid a rock wall and then a hole on the right.