Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program Title with the National Park Service arrowhead Parknet and arrowhead
Iowa Segments

Hector Santiago
National Park Service
Midwest Regional Office
601 Riverside Drive
Omaha, Nebraska 68102
(402) 661-1848

Photo of river in the winter 

Authorizations / History / Eligibility Descriptions / Outstandingly Remarkable Values /Potential Classification /Wild and Scenic Rivers System

Return to nri Page

River
County
Reach
Length (miles)
Year Listed/ Updated
Potential Classification
ORVs
Description
Other States
Boone Hamilton and Webster From Webster City to confluence with Des Moines River.
25
1995
S
 S, R, F, W Iowa's first designated "Protected Water Area." Identified for it's scenic and natural qualities, including relatively undisturbed riparian habitat and excellent smallmouth bass fishery.  
Cedar River Louisa, Muscatine Iowa River to Highway 6.
26
1982
   F, W, C Two federally listed endangered species of mussel and one federally listed species of bat may be found along the river; potentially rich in cultural resources; nice streamside relief with bluffs and ridges.  
Maquoketa River Jackson, Jones Mississippi River to US 151 Bridge (omit small reservoir northwest of Maquoketa)
68
1982
   S, R, G, F, W, H, C, O River cuts narrow, gorge-like valley up to 150 feet deep through limestone; excellent water quality supporting productive smallmouth bass fishery; potentially rich in cultural resources; threatened northern wild monkshood has been found in basin.  
Middle Raccoon River Gutherie and Dallas City of Panora to the city of Redfield dam.
15
1995
S
 S, R, F, W A designated Iowa "Protected Water Area." Beautiful canoe route with good access. Excellent smallmouth bass fishing and wildlife viewing.  
Turkey River Clayton, Fayette, Winneshiek, Howard Mississippi River to Vernon Springs.
110
1982
   S, R, G, F, H, C, O Gently rolling hills with dense stands of trees; good trout stream; high potential for significant cultural resources; northern wild monkshood, a federally listed endangered species, has been found in the basin.  
Upper Iowa River Winneshick and Allamakee City of Kendallville to Highway 76 crossing.
64
1995
W
 S, R, G, F, W A designated "Protected Water Area." The state's most scenic canoe river with towering limestone outcroppings and beautiful riparian habitat. Good bass and trout fishing.  
Wapsipinicon River Clinton, Scott, Cedar, Jones, Linn, Buchanan, Black Hawk, Bremer Mississippi River to State Highway 334 at Frederika (omit reservoir northwest of Independence).
195
1982
   S, G, F, W, H A designated Iowa "Protected Water Area." Wide, wooded flood plain with only limited development and agricultural encroachment; wide diversity of fish and wildlife habitat; exposed geologic fault; historically valuable Stone City quarries.  
Yellow River Allamakee Entire segment within Effigy Mounds National Monument
1
1982/ 1993
S
 S, R, G, W, H, C One of fastest falling rivers in state, providing excellent fishing and canoeing opportunities. Numerous prehistoric Indian burial mounds. Site of Jefferson Davis Sawmill upstream from boundary.  
Yellow River Allamakee Mississippi River to Highway W60 near Myron.
34
1982
   S, R, F, W, H, C Heavily wooded with marked relief, camping and backpacking opportunities; unusual ecological niches and plant life, including the northern wild monkshood, a federally listed threatened plant, has been found in the basin; good fishery; high potential for cultural resources (Effigy Mounds National Monument adjoins near mouth).