San Antonio River — Mission Reach: Water Level Today — Can You Paddle It?
San Antonio River · Class I · Texas
Current verdict
Too low to paddle
Not enough water to float well — expect scraping and walking. Wait for rain or a dam release.
USGS gauge 08178565 · updated Jul 9, 8:15 AM UTC
7-day flow trend
Section facts
- Difficulty
- Class I
- Length
- 8 mi
- Float time
- ~4 hr
- Best months
- Year-round
- Put-in
- Mission Reach - Blue Star / Roosevelt Park
- Take-out
- Mission Espada / Loop 410
Reading USGS gauge 08178565 — San Antonio Rv at Loop 410, San Antonio, TX ↗ · runnable range is an estimate (see methodology)
FAQ
What water level is good for paddling San Antonio River — Mission Reach?
This section is generally runnable at 20–800 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 San Antonio River levels?
We read USGS gauge 08178565 — 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 San Antonio River — Mission Reach 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 San Antonio River here?
Typically Year-round, 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 San Antonio River — Mission Reach?
This reach is about 8 miles, roughly 4 hours at a relaxed pace. Higher water is faster; low water and headwinds are slower. Add time for stops.