Introduction
Two stretches of the Rush River are featured in the book: Paddling Southern Minnesota - 85 Great Trips By Canoe and Kayak by Lynne and Robert Diebel (to order a book www.trailsbooks.com). The Diebel's paddled the river with members of the Mankato Paddling and Outing Club. In their book the couple talks about the Rush being a rushing river with fast flows from excessive drainage from the surrounding landscape. The name Rush River comes from the Dakota translation of "Wanyecha Oju," meaning rushes in wetlands along the river. Both segments feature Class I rapids, demand for good boat-control skills and watch out for deadfalls.

Segments:
* Rush River, North Branch 1 - 9.6 miles (401st Avenue to 300th Street)
* Rush River, North Branch 2 - 9.3 miles (300th Street to Highway 93)

Water Levels:
The Rush River is like the High Island Creek with water levels rising and falling at a fairly fast rate due to the influence of an extensive drainage system in the watershed. For paddling both stretches the optimal water level is 1.5 to 3.0 feet. Anything below 0.5 will be tough to paddle. According the Diebel's, the stretch from Rush River Park to Highway 93 can be paddled at most levels. To get an idea of water levels check out two USGS gage sites. One gage site is located on the South Branch of the Rush River at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?05326189 or the High Island Creek site http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?05327000

Put In Points:
* 1st Segment: 401st Avenue at the Kelso Township Hall. This gravel road can be reached by going west out of Henderson on State Highway 19 to County Road 62. Turn left and go west to 401st Avenue.

* 2nd Segment: 300th Street on the upstream side - right - of the bridge. From Henderson go south on State Highway 93 to Ridge Road. Turn right on Ridge Road as it goes west to South Street. Take another right to 300th Street and turn left as it heads west to the put-in point.

Take Out Points:
* 1st Segment: at the 300th Street Bridge (upstream right). The Mankato Paddling & Outing Club affectionately refer to it as Poison Ivy Bridge.

* 2nd Segment: Highway 93 Bridge (upstream left). The Rush River Park upstream from Highway 93 is favorite take-out site for members of the Mankato Paddling & Outing Club.

Hazards:
* 1st Segment: Deadfalls are common along with boulders on the lower section. Beware of a electric wire fence near the take-out point at 300th Street. Look out for a cable-car crossing (mile 8) and a low rope strung across the river under the cable. Keep an eye out for poison ivy.

* 2nd Segment: Again be on the look out for deadfalls. Between miles 3 and 4 you will find "Old Faithful Boulders," which forms a good surfing wave at high water levels.

Source: Paddling Southern Minnesota - 85 Great Trips by Canoe and Kayak by Lynne and Robert Diebel