The Mishawaka section is one of the most popular whitewater runs on Colorado's only designated Wild and Scenic River. This technically demanding stretch features continuous Class III-IV rapids including Pine View Falls, Big Drop, and Cardiac Corner, with minimal breaks between rapids. Flowing through the Roosevelt National Forest near Fort Collins, the Poudre offers exceptional scenery with granite cliffs, ponderosa pine forests, and opportunities to spot bighorn sheep and eagles. The season typically runs from mid-May through August, with peak flows in May and June providing the most challenging conditions.
Snapshot
Important information for this section of river
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Water Level
FAQ: What's the current water level for Cache la Poudre - Lower Mishawaka?
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FAQ: What's the ideal range for this section of river?
400 – 2,000 CFS
Common Questions
What paddlers most often want to know about Cache la Poudre - Lower Mishawaka.
What class of whitewater is the Mishawaka section of the Cache la Poudre River?
The Lower Mishawaka section of the Cache la Poudre is Class III–IV, featuring continuous rapids including Pine View Falls, Big Drop, and Cardiac Corner with minimal recovery pools between them.
Do you need a permit to run the Cache la Poudre River?
No permit is required to paddle the Cache la Poudre River, Colorado's only federally designated Wild and Scenic River. It is freely accessible to all boaters.
What flow range is ideal for the Lower Mishawaka section of the Poudre?
The Lower Mishawaka runs best between 400 and 2,000 CFS. Flows of 600–1,200 CFS offer engaging Class III+ action; above 1,500 CFS the rapids push firmly into Class IV territory with powerful hydraulics.
When does the Cache la Poudre run at its best for the Mishawaka section?
Peak season for the Lower Mishawaka is mid-May through late June during snowmelt from the northern Colorado mountains. By August, flows typically drop to the lower end of the runnable range.
What are the major rapids on the Mishawaka section of the Cache la Poudre?
The standout rapids on the Mishawaka section include Pine View Falls, Big Drop, and Cardiac Corner — three demanding Class IV features that require committed lines and active paddling through the Roosevelt National Forest canyon setting.
Weather Forecast
What's the daily forecast at the put-in for Cache la Poudre - Lower Mishawaka?