A few weeks ago the kids and I capped off a weekend of outdoor activities by doing "The Town Run" (or at least our variation of it) on the Poudre River. We enjoy paddling a 4.5 mile stretch of the river from Timberline just south of Mulberry down to Strauss Cabin Road not to far from our house. We each have our own modes of river transport including Megan in her rodeo kayak, Lucas on his sit on top kayak, and me on my inflatable SHUBU SUP. Below are some highlights form our trip.
We had hoped for a little more water on this run but they must have been taking water out upstream. The day before the water was double this volume but that's paddling in a heavily irrigated river way. This level (about 450 CFS) is about as low as you want to paddle on the Poudre River, otherwise you end up walking a lot.
Getting there
The put-in is on the northwest side of Timberline Road right along the Poudre River Trail. There is one dam you have to portage just south of the crossing at east Prospect Road. To get around the dam, pull out just above it on the left hand side of the river and drag around. The second place you have to get out of your boat is at the top of the Environmental Learning Center (ELC) just past the broken dam near the water treatment plant. The rest of the run is free flowing and an easy paddle. You'll know it's time to get out when you cross under the railroad bridge (take the far right trestle opening) and see the burned out remains of the Old Strauss Cabin on your right about a half mile down stream from the bridge.
The put-in is on the northwest side of Timberline Road right along the Poudre River Trail. There is one dam you have to portage just south of the crossing at east Prospect Road. To get around the dam, pull out just above it on the left hand side of the river and drag around. The second place you have to get out of your boat is at the top of the Environmental Learning Center (ELC) just past the broken dam near the water treatment plant. The rest of the run is free flowing and an easy paddle. You'll know it's time to get out when you cross under the railroad bridge (take the far right trestle opening) and see the burned out remains of the Old Strauss Cabin on your right about a half mile down stream from the bridge.