Canoe & Kayak Trips – Trading Post Outfitters

Nasby Dam

This trip leaves from the Trading Post and floats downstream to Nasby Dam. Float time is approximately 1 1/2 hours depending on the current. You will be picked up and shuttled back to the Trading Post. An excellent choice for your first-time trip, familes and for fishing! Nasby Dam is one of the only “V” dams left in the United States (4 miles, approximately 1.5 hours.)

Curtis Creek

This trip departs from the Trading Post and is a very popular choice! You will paddle downstream to Nasby Dam, portage around the dam and continue your voyage. You will paddle the remaining three miles down a rocky and scenic section of the river to the wooden bridge and be shuttled back to the Trading Post. This trip may not be available during high water conditions (7 miles, approximately 2.5 – 3 hours.)

Spero Bridge

A shorter version of our Refuge Bridge trip, but still provides a scenic, challenging adventure! In taking the Spero Bridge trip you are also shuttled up the river to the departure site. From there, you will paddle through woods and wetlands, portage around the Mongo Dam, and eventually arriving back at the Trading Post. (10 miles, approximately 3.5 hours.)
(We may have limited availability for this trip due to COVID-19.)

Refuge Bridge

The Refuge Bridge trip is our longest trip and is good for experienced paddlers. You are transported up-river to the launch site and then canoe or kayak down a very curvy and wooded section of the river, portage around the Mongo Dam, and eventually back to the Trading Post. This is an excellent all day trip, so bring some snacks and enjoy the adventure! (13 miles, approximately 4.5 – 5.5 hours.)

Wood Bridge

Not currently offered – Only offered during high water conditions. This trip departs from the Wood Bridge upstream of Trading Post Outfitters, portages around the Mongo Dam and finishes at the Trading Post. This is a modified 4 mile trip that we offer in cases of high water because this section of the river stays safe & fun for paddlers! (4 miles, approximately 1.5 hours)

Ontario Dam

Ontario Dam is the longest of the west trips leaving from the Trading Post. This trip floats past Nasby Dam and Curtis Creek Bridge, and is then a flat-water wetland paddle to Ontario Dam. You will be picked up above Ontario Dam and shuttled back to Mongo. This trip is not available on Saturdays, Sundays or Holiday Weekends. (10 miles, approximately 3.5 hours.)

How our River Trips Work:

All Trading Post Trips:

Make your reservation online from our website.
Arrive at the Trading Post 30 minutes prior to your trip time.
Please sign your waiver online, ONE PER PERSON, prior to your arrival. They do not need to be printed. When they are finished your name will be green.
You will be given your wrist tag & river map upon completion of waivers.
Grab a life jacket (ours or yours), a trash bag and your other personal items.
Please review & comply with our prohibited items list on our FAQs page. If you arrive for your trip with any of these items, you may not be allowed to paddle with us.

For East Trips (Refuge Bridge & Spero Bridge):

We load your watercraft and paddles.
We transport you and the equipment upstream.
We depart hourly, so arrive 30 minutes before departure for check-in Sunday – Friday & 45 minutes before departure on Saturdays & holidays.
We drop you off and get you started.
You float/paddle at your leisure and finish at the Trading Post.

For West Trips (Nasby Dam & Curtis Creek):

We stage your canoe or kayak at our riverside.
You float/paddle with the current at your leisure.
We meet you at the selected pick-up point, by hourly shuttle or will-call.
We transport you and the equipment back to the Trading Post.

Prices include boat rental, life jackets, paddles and shuttle service.
Prices include a prime paddle fee for all Saturdays from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day and all days of holiday weekends.
Weekdays and Spring & Fall trips are less busy and cost less.
Prices are subject to change without notice.
Prices are based on 2 paddlers per canoe.
Child Middle Rider (Minimum of 3 years old and 30 pounds and maximum of 10 years old or 70 pounds) fee is $7.50.
Conditions (wind, water level & paddling speed) can alter estimated trip times.
Our trips are not timed, so you can enjoy additional time for fishing, playing and picnicking.
Click for a printable PDF of our river map