Des Plaines

Hello, Dam 2 is not worth the effort for simple playboating. The CCFP did an excellent job in the construction of a $50,000 canoe launch just below the dam. The access to the river is unsurpassed to the area with a 100 foot sandy launch (50 feet from the parking lot), 8 X10 wooden river map, (with brochures etc), and is very well maintained by the CCFP and local paddlers. This is also the take put point for the Des Plaines River Canoe Marathon. Thanks Ralph for bringing the river to attention of area decision makers, thus clearing the way for paddlers young and old. Hope this helps. M.Pond

The following was posted on 'Paddle, Party, and Play' by Bill Kinsella with regards to Dam #2 located downstream.

'Dam 2 is not a friendly place to be. There is a hike down to the dam.

Once there it is the classic low head dam with a highly retentive nature.

The space between the first ledge and second is deep and foamy.

If you flip there you are in for a scary time. I have played there a

number of times and the value is very limited especially considering

that Dam 1 is so close by.'

Does anyone have information regarding Dam#2, about 4 miles downriver in Mount Prospect? Is it similarly playable? Is there reasonable access?

Chicago Area Paddling/Fishing Guide (http://pages.ripco.net/~jwn/dam.html#desplaines\_river) suggests they are 'identical', though that could be more from a casual view of construction and form, and may not apply to potential for play.