The South Platte River below Denver is quite open and usually obstacles are limited to diversion dams. Occasionally, you may loose a deep water channel and be forced to drag your kayak through shallows.

However, during my last weekend paddling I encountered a real log jam blocking the entire river. I launched my Thunderbolt kayak at Evans Riverside Park and paddled about 5 miles upstream. Weather was great for a paddling workout, but not so good for photography.

I found this log jam just below the mouth of the Big Thomson River. It was no problem to walk around it and it would be possible to paddle there with a little higher water. So, that log jam was more like a attraction on the river than a real obstacle. Log jams on the narrow San Marcos River during Texas Water Safari were completely different story.

During my paddling I had to portage over the Lower Latham Dam. There is no comfortable portage there. Portaging at the dam gates from a channel with very steep banks is difficult. So, I prefer to paddle the old river channel and portage over a rock dam. This route may require dragging your kayak over shallow water (see map).

Mud holes just below that dam may be deeper than your Chota boots!

South Platte River below Denver – GPS/photo river guide

Paddling and Goose Hunting on the South Platte River

Paddling and Photographing South Platte River near Milliken

Winter Paddling, Training and Racing on the South Platte River in Northern Colorado

Old Truck, Young Eagle and the South Platte River Mysteries

Paddling Thunderbolt Kayak in Tight Places – Lone Tree Creek

Photographing Geese Flying over the South Platte River Valley