What water level is good for paddling Saline River — Benton Water Trail?

This section is generally runnable at 120–1,500 cfs (a conservative estimate — see our methodology). Below that it gets too low and bony; well above the top of the range it becomes pushy and then dangerous. We compare the live USGS reading to that range to produce today's verdict.

How do I check Saline River levels?

We read USGS gauge 07363000 — the same public data USGS publishes — about every 30 minutes and compare it to the runnable range for this reach. You can also view the raw gauge yourself at waterdata.usgs.gov.

Is Saline River — Benton Water Trail good for beginners?

This section is rated Class I. At good levels it suits confident beginners and up, but it can have riffles or small rapids. Scout anything you can't see, and stay off it at high water.

When is the best time to paddle Saline River here?

Typically March–June, when flows are most reliable for this section. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt; late summer can drop too low. Always check today's gauge reading rather than assuming.

How long does it take to float Saline River — Benton Water Trail?

This reach is about 6 miles, roughly 3 hours at a relaxed pace. Higher water is faster; low water and headwinds are slower. Add time for stops.

Saline River — Benton Water Trail: River Level Today — Can You Paddle It?

Class I6 mi · ~3 hrSaline RiverArkansas

Verdict · updated Aug 27, 9:30 AM UTC

High — use caution — rising fast

Flows are above the comfortable range. Expect strong current, pushy water, cold temperatures and fewer places to stop. Experienced paddlers only — many should wait.

Estimated range

684 cfs

4.5 ft gauge height

USGS gauge 07363000

Runnable 120 – 1,500 cfs

01201,5001,776

What this means today

the Saline River is at 684 cfs right now, inside the range for this reach — but it is rising fast enough that the number above is not the number you will put on the water. On a reach climbing this quickly, check it again immediately before you launch.

Over the last 24 hours it has gone from 14 cfs to 684 cfs, 4751% up. Daily means over the past 5 days have run between 42 cfs and 494 cfs, 570% higher at the end of the week than the start.

Paddling Benton Water Trail

Saline River at Benton Water Trail is a 6-mile Class I run in Arkansas — easygoing moving water with light riffles and nothing technical. Most paddlers put in at Benton (Hwy 35 / River Bend) and take out at I-30 / Hwy 67 Access, a trip that runs about 3 hours at a relaxed pace.

Whether it's worth the drive comes down to flow. This section generally paddles well at 120–1,500 cfs (a conservative estimate — see our methodology). Much below that and the Saline River gets low and bony, so you end up scraping gravel and walking the shallows; well above the top of the range it turns fast, cold and pushy, which is a more serious day than most casual boaters want. We read USGS gauge 07363000 about every 30 minutes and compare the live number to that window, so the verdict at the top of this page reflects conditions right now rather than a monthly average.

Flows here are usually most dependable March–June. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt, and late summer often drops too low to float well — but the gauge always beats the calendar, so check today's reading before you go.

7-day flow trend

Daily mean flow (cfs), past 7 days. Shaded band = runnable range.

Section facts

Difficulty: Class I
Length: 6 mi
Float time: ~3 hr
Best months: March–June
Put-in: Benton (Hwy 35 / River Bend)
Take-out: I-30 / Hwy 67 Access

Reading USGS gauge 07363000 — Saline River at Benton, AR ↗ · runnable range is an estimate (see methodology)

FAQ

What water level is good for paddling Saline River — Benton Water Trail?: This section is generally runnable at 120–1,500 cfs (a conservative estimate — see our methodology). Below that it gets too low and bony; well above the top of the range it becomes pushy and then dangerous. We compare the live USGS reading to that range to produce today's verdict.
How do I check Saline River levels?: We read USGS gauge 07363000 — the same public data USGS publishes — about every 30 minutes and compare it to the runnable range for this reach. You can also view the raw gauge yourself at waterdata.usgs.gov.
Is Saline River — Benton Water Trail good for beginners?: This section is rated Class I. At good levels it suits confident beginners and up, but it can have riffles or small rapids. Scout anything you can't see, and stay off it at high water.
When is the best time to paddle Saline River here?: Typically March–June, when flows are most reliable for this section. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt; late summer can drop too low. Always check today's gauge reading rather than assuming.
How long does it take to float Saline River — Benton Water Trail?: This reach is about 6 miles, roughly 3 hours at a relaxed pace. Higher water is faster; low water and headwinds are slower. Add time for stops.

Nearby sections

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