road. Drive approximately 3 miles to where Republican River NEBRASKA GAME AND there are two bridges about 20 yards apart. CANOE TRAIL PARKS COMMISSION A new bridge is just upstream from an PO Box 30370, Lincoln, NE 68503 abandoned bridge. Turn left or east onto 402-471-0641 • www.outdoornebraska.org a graveled road immediately south of the GENERAL INFORMATION bridge and you can access the river The Republican River begins at Haigler canoeist, which they might be the difference between the two bridges. in extreme southwestern Nebraska where between an adventure and a nightmare. From Bislow’s Landing to the second the North Fork Republican and the Arikaree campsite (primitive), is 13.2 river miles (6-7 rivers from Colorado converge. It is also fed ACCESS SITES AND hours). The camp is about 200 yards east of by another Colorado river, the South Fork POINTS OF INTEREST the two bridges, on the right or south side of the river. Watch for the irrigation pump Republican, converging near Benkelman. Republican City is located along U.S. which is about 20 yards above the camp, From Benkelman, the Republican flows 136, between U.S. 183 and Nebraska 10. also on the right side of the river. more than 200 miles east to near Superior, The trip begins south of Republican City at The river becomes noticeably shallower before entering Kansas, and eventually either North Outlet Park or South Outlet downstream from Inavale. flowing into Milford Lake northwest of Park (below the dam of Harlan County From the second primitive campsite to Junction City, Kansas. Lake), which are operated by the Corps of the third campsite (primitive), south of Red In 1935, there were four devastating Engineers. Take Berrigan Road at the east Cloud is 15.6 river miles (8 hours). This is floods, over 20 days, which necessitated end of Republican City, turn south and the Indian Creek State Wildlife Management the construction of two dams in Nebraska, follow the park signs to either park. Both Area and the final access site. Parking is Swanson Reservoir near Trenton and Harlan parks have camping, picnic and restroom available on the southwest or right upstream County Lake Dam near Republican City. facilities along with a launch site. The side of the U.S. 281 bridge. Trip ends. Today these reservoirs provide water to North Outlet Park launch site is along a thousands of acres of cropland through one-lane road leading east from the main a series of canals. parking area, about 200 yards to the water. SCENERY The South Outlet Park has a good launch The river is flanked by hills with SECTION DESCRIBED site with a canoe parking lot east of the dam. moderate to steep loess slopes and sharp Harlan County Lake Dam to Red You must portage out 50 yards through a ridge crests. The valley is one to two miles Cloud — 49 miles. wooded area to the point of entry. wide and is primarily farmland. Wildlife is Both launch sites have standing waves abundant. Among the willow and cotton- CHARACTERISTICS for several yards from rapidly flowing current; wood trees are deer, turkeys, beavers, Hot, dry weather, intensive irrigation you will need to have control of the canoe herons, coyotes, and foxes.Channel catfish practices and about 19 inches of annual as soon as you launch. A short distance are found in the river. rainfall significantly affect the water levels from the launch sites, the river smoothes of the Republican River and its tributaries. and the current slows. Watch for areas of COMMUNITY INFORMATION: The best times to canoe are July and August, swift current caused by changes in rate of Corps of Engineers (at Harlan County when the Corps of Engineers releases large water discharged from the dam. Dam site) (308) 799-2105 quantities of water from Harlan County To follow the general course of the Harlan County Sheriff (Alma) Lake. Water releases are usually adequate river by road, you can take U.S. 136 on Non-Emergency (308) 928-2147 for canoeing during this period, however, the north side of the river, or the graveled Franklin County Sheriff (Franklin) we recommend that you inquire with county road on the south side of the river Non-Emergency (308) 425-6231 Corps of Engineers at Republican City or as shown on the map. From the outlet parks Webster County Sheriff (Red Cloud) stop at the office at the dam site before to to Naponee Bridge is 4.7 river miles (2½ Non-Emergency (402) 746-2722 launching. Water discharges of 350 cubic hours). You can launch on the southwest or feet per second (cfs) are the minimum right upstream side of the bridge. MEDICAL ASSISTANCE: needed, while flows of 500 cfs are excellent From the Naponee bridge to Harlan County Hospital (Alma) for floating the river. Bloomington Bridge is 8.1 river miles (4 (308) 928-2151 The Republican is a slow-flowing river, hours). Access and parking is on the south- Franklin County Memorial Hospital approximately 2 mph, and is extremely east or right downstream side of the bridge. (Franklin) (308) 425-6221 braided. Canoeing the braided channel The first campsite (primitive) is 4.1 Webster County Community Hospital will vary greatly within the river banks, river miles (2+ hours) from the Bloomington (Red Cloud) (402) 746-2291 making it a winding and interesting trip. bridge, on the north or left hand side. The The vertical river banks stand about three water is deep near this landing, use caution. Dial 911 to reach emergency feet or more above the water along most From the first primitive campsite to personnel in the area. of the Republican, and the many islands Bislow’s Landing is 3.2 river miles (2 hours). are covered with willows. The river On the south or right side of the river is a becomes noticeably shallower after pull off area with limited parking. the bridge at Inavale. A nice launch area is located approxi- Recommendation: Please read the mately 3 miles downstream from Riverton. General Canoeing Introduction pages before To get to this area from U.S. 136, turn right your trip. They are good review for the avid or south at the first road east of town. A canoeist and a quick lesson for the novice sign indicates Campbell is north on this

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