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 53 minutes | 5.12 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.
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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