2021 August update:

Kayak river rafting trip turned into a rescue mission.

WARNING, THERE IS NO LIFEGUARD

Swimming past the bridge posts (where railroad bridge is, the right side of shoreline) is ABSOLUTELY dangerous especially to children/young teens/weak swimmers. You may trust the shallow areas by the shoreline BUT further down the river is DEEP. Once someone is caught in a current there, it's hard to catch up to them from the shoreline. The following swimmers were in this area and needed bystander assistance. -One child had to be saved when the current took her when using a pool floatie and had to be hauled to safety by our kayak. -Another young boy's leg was wrapped and stuck in fishing line and had to be cut free. BOTH WERE IRRESPONSIBLY LEFT UNATTENDED and Both did NOT have lifejackets. These incidents occured at the SAME time.

Using floaties will give you a higher chance of being pulled downriver (quickly), if your not planning on river rafting, river cruising down the river or not a strong swimmer then I'd advise leaving pool floaties at home.

Nice river rafting from here to McHenry Recreation area (4-5 hrs) but would advise to go with others with experience and a Lifejacket. Take water (sun is blazing with minimal shade down river). Many fallen trees in river so take heed when floating down river.

$7 charge for parking, $35 Seasonal Pass for Riverbank residents only. They accept Cash and Card. Flush toilets and outdoor showers near picnic areas, 2 nonflush toilets are found along the 1 mile trail. People who bring their pets- be warned there are many irresponsible people who leave chicken bones along trail and in picnic areas. It is quite clean,but then again they are barely reopening.Dog parks are open with Covid guidelines in place.