The Trip
An October float through the Lost Pines stretch of the Colorado — from the FM 969 bridge at Utley down to Bastrop, about 14 river miles of sandbars, herons, and loblolly bluffs. We camp overnight on an island along the route. Canoes, paddles, life jackets, and the shuttle are provided by Bastrop River Company.
| Dates | October 10–11, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Distance | ~14 river miles (about 8 on day one, 6 on day two) |
| Duration | 2 days / 1 night |
| Camp | Island on the route |
| Put in | FM 969 bridge at Utley |
| Take out | Bastrop |
| Outfitter | Bastrop River Company |
Route
Recorded track from Utley to Bastrop (~14.9 miles as the river winds).
River Conditions
| Flow | Status | What it means for us |
|---|---|---|
| Below 300 | Go | Floatable but slow — plan a longer day |
| 300 – 1,500 | Go | Ideal |
| 1,500 – 3,500 | Caution | Pushy — experienced paddlers |
| Above 3,500 | No-go | Sandbars under, bank strainers |
| Rose over 50% in 24 h | Caution | Flash pulse warning regardless of level |
October median at Bastrop ≈ 615 cfs; a dry-year October runs ≈ 263 cfs. The Austin gauge upstream is the leading indicator — what Longhorn Dam releases today reaches Bastrop tomorrow. In July 2026 this river went from about 1,000 to over 14,000 cfs in three days, which is why the rising-water rule above exists.
3-day forecast — river corridor
Safety Notes
Life jackets stay on, on the water. Period. The outfitter provides them; they go on, buckled and snug, before you step into the boat and stay on until you are out of it.
Strainers, not rapids, are the hazard here. Downed trees along the banks catch boats and hold them. We stay mid-channel in moving water and never grab overhanging limbs.
Rising water is sneaky water. Rain far upstream can raise this river under a clear blue sky — leadership checks the Austin gauge the morning of launch.
Packing List — Canoe Overnight
Life jackets and paddles are provided by the outfitter; life jackets are worn at all times on the water. Bringing your own kayak or canoe? Bring your own paddle. No cotton: wool or synthetics only.
Bring all of your own supplies. Each participant is responsible for their own gear, food, water, and dry bags. The troop is not supplying trash bags or dry bags.
Dress for heat and sun. Forecast for Bastrop as of October 9: sunny both days, highs of 94–95°F, Saturday night low around 66°F. No rain is forecast, but the rain jacket still goes in the bag.
On the water
- Whistle on a lanyard (clips to your life jacket)
- Your own paddle, if you bring your own kayak or canoe
- Rain jacket
- Sun shirt / loose-fitting long sleeve
- Quick-dry shorts or swim trunks
- Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with retainer
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Water shoes or sandals with heel strap (no flip-flops)
- Water: 6 L per person for the whole trip — no drinking water on the river
- Electrolyte drink mix
- Dry bag(s) for all personal gear — bring your own
- Ziplock bags for small items
- Strap, cord, or carabiners to tie gear into the canoe
- Small day pack for what you need within reach (water, snacks, sunscreen)
- Bail cup or sponge
- Paddling gloves (optional)
Overnight camp
- Tent (1- to 3-person) — hammock spots possible but not guaranteed
- Lightweight sleeping bag or liner (lows in the mid-60s)
- Camping mat; travel pillow (optional)
- Complete dry change of clothes (no cotton)
- Light long-sleeve layer for the evening
- Dry socks and quick-dry underwear
- Closed-toe camp shoes
- Insect repellent
- Small towel
- Tarp, cordage, and pegs (optional)
- Mosquito net (optional)
Personal kit
- Saturday lunch: a packed sandwich lunch, no cooking
- All of your other meals and snacks
- Mess kit (cup, bowl, spoon)
- Stove, fuel, lighter, and small pot (optional — otherwise pack no-cook meals)
- Trash bag — pack out everything you bring; no glass containers
- Personal first aid kit and any personal medications
- Hand sanitizer and toilet paper (no restrooms on the river)
- Trowel (cat holes — Trailman's Handbook sanitation)
- Sealable bag to pack out used toilet paper
- Pocket knife (optional)
- Headlamp with fresh batteries