Tubing/Paddle Boarding/Kayaking

DECKER’S  OVERVIEW

Tubing & Paddle Boarding Decker’s

As Decker’s has been know for many years as a World Class Fly-fishing destination and outdoor Mecca, the area has increasingly become popular for tubing, paddle boarding, and Kayaking. As the South Platte River flows below Cheesman Reservoir, passing through the  small town of Decker’s & Trumbull,  the river takes on a mild, yet sometimes unpredictable character, particularly during a high run-off  season. Float fishing and walk-and-wade fishing are very popular through this area. Please respect private property when floating. Although the law allows the passage through most private property, by floating through these sections only, you are required to obey any and all private property boundaries and any posted private property signs. 
Safety Tips!

1. Always wear a life vest. It’s hard to judge how swiftly moving water is flowing, which is why authorities always recommend you – and specially your children – always wear a live vest.

2. Avoid high-level streams. Do not go into streams when they are running high or near bankfull. Those streams can be very dangerous.

3. Be weather-alert. Stay up-to-date with current weather conditions as well as stream conditions for the area where you’ll be tubing.

4. Know how to swim. You really should know how to swim in case you flip over. A life vest should not be your only option of stay afloat.

5. Wear a helmet. Our rivers are rocky and head injuries are common while tubing. Even a bike helmet will work.

6. Do not wear flip-flops. Don’t go into the river with loose-fitting shoes. Wear something with traction like aqua shoes or sneakers.

7. Leave valuables at home. If you have a medical condition, however, wear a medical

Access to Access

Deckers to Bridge Crossing Picnic Ground (Platte River Campground): 4 miles
Bridge Crossing Picnic Ground (Platte River Campground) to Scraggy View Picnic Ground: 4.2 miles
Scraggy View Picnic Ground to Willow Bend Picnic Ground: 1.8 miles
Willow Bend Picnic Ground to Confluence with North Fork: 6 miles
Total Mileage: 16 miles

Kayking Decker’s-Decker’s to Confluence, South Platte River (Class II–III)

Located below Cheesman Reservoir, this scenic stretch traverses the South Platte’s rolling granite terrain from the town of Decker’s to the confluence with the North Fork. Easy access and several fun rapids at moderate water levels make this a great beginner to intermediate run.

Put-in: Decker’s

Take-out: The confluence of the North and South forks (near South Platte)

Don’t Forget to Check the Flows! In our opinion, the optimal flow range for floating the South Platte through Decker’s, is from 200cfs-500cfs. Check the graph below to get the “Real Time” flow, for Decker’s.

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South Platte River

  • Flow: 51.3 ft³/s
  • Water Level: 2.71 ft
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USGS
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