Kayaking on the Zumbro River Green Bridge to Zumbro Falls July 1st, 2023

Kayaking on the Zumbro River Green Bridge to Zumbro Falls July 1st, 2023 (Saturday).

Class rapids: None, several patches of riffles

Average drop: ft/mile

Entrance landing: Green Bridge Public Water Access, Carry-in Launch, articulated concrete bars and sand, in nice shape, parking spaces and turn around

Exit landing: Zumbro Fall Public Water Access, Trailer Launch, articulated concrete bars and sand, in nice shape, lots of parking spaces, porta potty

Conditions during trip: Zumbro River conditions at Zumbro Falls RM 46.9 approximately 5.6 ft, North Fork Near Mazeppa CASH7 RM 54.7. "Medium" water level which is supposed to be ideal for kayaking, not too low and not too high. ALWAYS check the conditions before you go. Data from Interactive Water Trail Map | Minnesota DNR (state.mn.us). Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service: La Crosse (weather.gov)

Beautiful day, started early, getting on the water around 8 am and getting off around noon, for a total trip length of 4 hours and 9.7miles. This is a route my paddling buddies and I have done several times a go to for a relaxing, predictable route with good fishing. It is not too challenging if you are newer to kayaking or have beginners in your group. The river is relatively wide giving one an opportunity to plan and avoid snags and shallow spots. It has some patches of riffles that add excitement. We usually see a few other groups in kayaks or canoes. There were some canoers that launched right before we did and it was very busy with tubers once we reached Zumbro Falls around noon. The landscape is hilly with a mix of woodlands, agricultural land and the Bluff Valley Campground when you get closer to Zumbro Falls. You can see a few houses here and there but overall it has a feeling of being able to get out into nature.

There were many flowers and animals to observe. We were not fishing but I saw several fish swimming about at various points along the way and I have caught small mouth bass on the route in years past. A few animals to note; Bald Eagles, Red-Winged Blackbird, Killdeer, Wild Turkey, ducks and swallows, Painted Turtles, Smooth Soft Shelled Turtles. We heard and saw the Green Frogs.