Big River Kids and Family Trip (free-$11.50)

This is a 5-mile paddle from Mammoth Access to Merrell Horse access. Because it is a short paddle, we’ll have lots of time to stop and play.

The Big River is a tributary of the Meramec River. Around the Washington State Park area, the river is probably at its very best. The few whitewater rapids you will encounter will be in the Class I range, and you should not have any difficulty negotiating them. The scenery is awesome, with deep forests lining the banks of a wide river. We will stop often to splash and play.

We will meet at Mammoth Access at 9:00 am.

Water classification:

Class I: Fast-moving water with riffles and small waves; few obstructions, all obvious and easily missed with little training; risk to swimmers is slight; self-rescue is easy.

Possible hazards or difficult sections of water paddled (other hazards may also be encountered on the trip):  There are few hazards on this river, but obstacles to paddle around and small strainers are always a possibility.

Skill level required: This trip is appropriate for beginner paddlers.

 Type of boat required: all boats.

Participants must bring:  (Take this off the Request form for STL Canoe & Kayak Club trip/event.) 

1. water
2. lunch/snacks
3. U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD (life jacket)
4. “pealess” whistle 
5. bug spray
6. sunscreen
7. squirt guns and toys would be fun

For a list of items to bring that might be helpful for new paddlers, here is a link: Kayaking Gear for Every Trip

How to dress: Appropriate clothing for kayaking. No cotton. If wearing sandals, they should have back straps.

Minors are welcome on this trip. A parent or guardian needs to also attend.

Please check out the Club Sanctioned Trips forum for additional information as it is posted, or to ask questions or post comments.  Club Sanctioned Trip Info & Comments – St. Louis Canoe & Kayak Club

Risks involved: Paddlesports and related ACTIVITIES INVOLVE RISKS AND DANGERS OF DAMAGE TO PERSONAL PROPERTY AND SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, INCLUDING PERMANENT DISABILITY, PARALYSIS, AND DEATH. These Risks and dangers may be caused by my own actions or inactions, the actions or inactions of others participating, leading, or helping in the Activity, and the condition in which the Activity takes place, There may be OTHER RISKS AND SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC LOSSES either not known to me or not readily foreseeable at this time.

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Tip leader: Dave Haessig 314-304-7970

To attend this trip/event:

 You must reserve a ticket for each person attending (see tickets below).
This provides the trip leader with important information they need for safety and communication, and information the club needs for ACA reporting.

If you purchase a ticket for this trip but decide you cannot attend, PLEASE contact the trip leader to let them know.

• If you are an ACA member, please make sure you have an annual waiver signed on their website and have linked your account with St. Louis Canoe and Kayak Club. You must have re-signed this waiver since January 1, 2026 because they have updated their website. Here are instructions: Linking your ACA account to St. Louis Canoe and Kayak..docx

If you are not an ACA member (American Canoe Association), you will be asked to sign a paper waiver from ACA at the meet-up location.  Here is the waiver to read before attending the trip:     aca_waiver__release_of_liab