City: Port Byron, IL
County: Rock Island County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 41.60666559, -90.33691300
Air Temp: --
Location
Live Webcam
Nearby Gauge Conditions
Real-time data from USGS Water Services
Whitewater Runs on Mississippi River
1 run
There are no whitewater runs within 50 miles of this access site.
These whitewater runs are on the same river but located more than 50 miles from this access site.
Difficulty Classes
I Easy
II Novice
III Intermediate
IV Advanced
V Expert/Extreme
VI Unrunnable
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater
About This Access Site
The Port Byron Boat Ramp provides public access to Pool 14 of the Mississippi River in Rock Island County, Illinois. This is an excellent launch point for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboaters looking to explore one of North America's major waterways. The ramp's location along the upper Mississippi makes it ideal for day trips to sandbars, fishing expeditions in the sloughs and backwaters, or longer paddling adventures.
Be prepared for a large, powerful river system. The Mississippi at this location averages flows exceeding 685,000 cubic feet per second with average water velocities around 11 feet per second, so paddlers should have appropriate experience and skills. The river's character varies significantly depending on pool conditions and recent weather—backwater areas offer calmer paddling, while the main channel demands respect for the current and barge traffic. Strong paddlers will find excellent opportunities for fishing, wildlife viewing, and exploring the diverse Mississippi River ecosystem.
Be prepared for a large, powerful river system. The Mississippi at this location averages flows exceeding 685,000 cubic feet per second with average water velocities around 11 feet per second, so paddlers should have appropriate experience and skills. The river's character varies significantly depending on pool conditions and recent weather—backwater areas offer calmer paddling, while the main channel demands respect for the current and barge traffic. Strong paddlers will find excellent opportunities for fishing, wildlife viewing, and exploring the diverse Mississippi River ecosystem.