River & Trail Conditions

It’s always a good idea to check trail conditions before you go—especially after it rains. Some trails run inside the levee system that protects our cities, which means certain sections may be under water after storms.

For paddling and other water sports, river users should also check water levels. Heavy rain can make the river too high or too swift for safe recreation.

The map uses easy, color-coded symbols—just like a traffic light. Trail sections use a colored circle with a white T (for Trail); river water level gauges use a colored circle with a white R (for River).

Symbol meanings:

• Green or Yellow zones: Use your judgment. Consider today’s weather, wind, water temperature, current, floating debris, your skill level, boat size, and whether there’s a safety launch.
• Red zones: Conditions are unsafe—stay off the trail or out of the river.
• Remember: If in doubt, don’t go out.

Safety tips:

• Always wear a life jacket when paddling and a helmet when biking.
• Let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back.
• Find more safety tips here.

In Green and Yellow Zones: You must judge safety based on today's combination of wind, weather, water temperature, flotsam, current, boat size, skill and presence of a safety launch. IF IN DOUBT, DON'T GO OUT.

River data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provisional. Readings may be delayed, inaccurate, or unavailable. Trail statuses are estimated from nearby river gauges, not on-site inspections. Conditions can change quickly. This information is a guide only. Use the trail and river at your own risk.