Lizard Creek, N.Br.
Lentsch Access to Phinney Park (3.1 - 13.8 miles)
| Difficulty | I-II |
| Length | 13.8 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 7 fpm |
| Gauge | Lizard Creek Near Fort Dodge, Ia |
| Flow Rate as of 55 minutes | 5.54 ftlow runnable |
| Reach Info Last Updated | June 10, 2024 |
River Description
Lizard Creek is an intimate paddle through forested shoreline and sandstone bluffs that can be nearly a full-day ~14 mile run from Lentsch Access to the confluence with the Des Moines river in Fort Dodge. Most paddlers will prefer doing one or more of the shorter stretches, using listed options for access points:
Lentsch Access to Cunningham Access: ~3.1 miles
Cunningham Access to Rasch Access: ~5.2 miles
Rasch Access to Phinney Access: ~5.6 miles
The final mile of Lizard creek before it enters the Des Moines river contains some Class 2 rapids, thus the final section will be the choice for those mostly intent on whitewater.
Optimum paddling levels are 5’ – 8’ on the USGS Lizard creek gauge.
Paddlers should be careful of strainers and railroad bridge piling hazards, especially at higher flows.
An Iowa DNR water trail map contains detailed access points, paddling information, and other useful details (CLICKABLE LINK): www.iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/Canoeing-Kayaking/Water-Trail-Maps-Brochures
River Features
Lentsch Access: Fairbanks Avenue at 175th Street
Boaters wishing to do the full long float trip will use the Lensch Access at the corner of Fairbanks Avenue and 175th Street.
Cunningham Access: Hayes Avenue
Those wishing a slightly shorter trip may start at Cunningham Access on Hayes Avenue.
When on the water, you will paddle under the Hayes Avenue bridge. The creek takes a sharp left bend and the access will be just a little bit downstream on your left.
Union Pacfic Trestle
Mostly just a waypoint, but also to reiterate the warning in the main description: be alert as you approach this area, as the bridge piers may be a danger point, especially if wood hangs up on them.
Rasch Access: Johnson Avenue
Those seeking the shortest trip with the best of the whitewater may wish to start here. For those starting upstream, this access will be on the left immediately after passing under Johnson Avenue bridge.
The DNR write-up says 'there are at least 25 rocky riffles, or rapids, withvarying degrees of difficulty for paddlers'.
190th Street
(Mostly a way-point ... no improved access.)
US Hwy.169 / Lainson Ave.
(Again a way point ... no improved access.)
Phinney Park
Take-out is at Phinney Park (river-right, off of Phinney Park Drive), just shy of the confluence with the Des Moines River.
FWIW, a local MTB group maintains a wonderful set of trails on both sides of the river in this area.
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