NOBLESVILLE BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Float, Portage, Repeat: A 10‑Mile White River Downstream from Strawtown
A roughly 10‑mile, 3.5–4.5 hour downstream canoe or kayak float from White River Campground back to the River Road livery that includes a required portage at Clare — this guide lays out the logistics and physical demands.
Float, Portage, Repeat: A 10‑Mile White River Downstream from Strawtown.
Check in at the River Road livery and take the operator shuttle upriver to the White River Campground near Strawtown, then settle in for an approximately 10‑mile downstream float of roughly 3.5–4.5 hours back to the livery. The run is straightforward river travel interrupted by a mandatory portage around the low‑head dam at Clare; expect a mix of steady paddling and a short but decisive carry of your craft and gear.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A long, steady 10‑mile float
This trip covers approximately 10 miles of downstream river that typically takes between 3.5 and 4.5 hours—ample time on the water for steady paddling and river observation.
Mandatory portage at Clare
Paddlers must portage around a low‑head dam at Clare (across from the Rusty Oar property); the portage requires carrying — not dragging — your canoe or kayak and equipment.
Shuttle service and single drop‑in
Check in at the River Road livery, then ride the operator’s bus/shuttle to the upstream drop‑in at White River Campground before floating back to the livery.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
After a brief shuttle upriver to the White River Campground near Strawtown you set down and begin a downstream float back to the River Road livery. The river offers sustained paddling stretches punctuated by the Clare portage: a short, physical interlude where you must carry your craft and gear around a low‑head dam before continuing the float.
THE ROUTE
A long, steady 10‑mile float
This trip covers approximately 10 miles of downstream river that typically takes between 3.5 and 4.5 hours—ample time on the water for steady paddling and river observation.
THE CHALLENGE
Mandatory portage at Clare
Paddlers must portage around a low‑head dam at Clare (across from the Rusty Oar property); the portage requires carrying — not dragging — your canoe or kayak and equipment.
THE LOGISTICS
Shuttle service and single drop‑in
Check in at the River Road livery, then ride the operator’s bus/shuttle to the upstream drop‑in at White River Campground before floating back to the livery.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Be prepared to carry (not drag) your canoe/kayak and all gear across the Clare portage; pack and secure gear so it can be lifted safely.
Participants must be physically capable of carrying their craft and gear for the portage around the low‑head dam (short but active carry).
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
The float covers approximately 10 miles and typically takes 3.5 to 4.5 hours.
Where do I check in?
Check in and park at the River Road livery; a shuttle/bus will transport paddlers to the upstream drop‑in at White River Campground near Strawtown.
Are there required portages?
Yes — you must portage around the low‑head dam at Clare and be able to carry (not drag) your canoe/kayak and gear across the portage.
What are the rates?
Rates listed are Canoes $60, Single Kayaks $35, Tandem Kayaks $70.
When do trips depart and how do I check availability?
Departure times vary with early/late and summer season and generally run between 9 am and 12 pm; check the operator’s real‑time calendar for availability—if a date/time does not display it is not available.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes — trips must be booked at least a day in advance.
Can I select unlimited equipment when booking?
No — the maximum number of equipment you can select is the maximum available for that time slot.
Can prices change?
Pricing is subject to change based on availability, date, and time.