The 187 miles of the Colorado River between LaGrange and Matagorda Bay on the Gulf of Mexico is a coastal plains run of immense natural scenery and little development. Animal, bird, fish and plantlife are abundant everywhere along this reach. You might see bald eagles, egrets, kingfishers and herons, as well as many species of songbirds. Deer, raccoons, nutria, possums, squirrels, turtles, snakes, foxes, skunks and other animals are common sights. Channel, blue and flathead catfish are popular, as is the Guadalupe Bass, among anglers. Alligator gar are also found in hot, summer months. Many side creeks and streams feed the river and provide off-river exploration opportunities. Several historic towns are located along or very near the river, places that figure prominently in the battles for Independence from Mexico in the 1830's. The river is wide, deep and slow-moving, but always has plenty of water for paddling. The larger towns along this run include LaGrange, Columbus, Wharton and Bay City. Most adjoining land is privately owned, and access is limited, but plenty of sand and gravel bar islands, as well as riverbanks, can be found for camping on overnight trips.

The entire length of the Colorado River flows through land steeped in Texas history. Many battlefields of the War for Independence from Mexico lie along this route. Names of people and places that are legendary in Texas history will be seen everywhere. The only major drawback is the lack of commercial liveries and shuttle services - you will need to bring your own boats and gear and arrange your own shuttles.

Fayette, Colorado, Wharton and Matagorda Counties, in the plains and coastal plains of southcentral Texas, extending from the southeastern edge of the Hill Country to the Gulf of Mexico.

Austin miles; Waco miles; Dallas miles; San Antonio miles; Houston miles; Oklahoma City miles; Little Rock miles; Kansas City miles; Albuquerque miles; Phoenix miles; Denver miles; Salt Lake City miles (all distances are approximate, and depend upon starting point, put-in destination at the river and route taken.)

Good to excellent most of the time. Low water and high temperatures will reduce water quality. Recent rainfall will make the water murky to muddy. The flow is usually adequate for trips with zero to minimal walking or portaging, but that can change due to low or high water conditions. The river is wide and the current is very slow, though there are some areas with swift currents and small (Class I) rapids.

Spring and fall, when the plants are changing colors and the rains are more frequent, are the optimum seasons and winter can be good if sufficient rain has fallen and you are prepared for the colder temperatures. Summer is usually best avoided due to heat and high headwinds from June through September.

Most of the hazards on the Colorado River are not rapids, waterfalls, rock ledges, outcroppings or obstacles to paddling. The river is, for all intents and purposes, free of such hazards. However, Mother Nature can be a problem unless proper precautions are taken. Some of these natural hazards include seering summer temperatures, lack of shade trees along the riverbanks, strong headwinds, fireants and occasionally snakes, though they are not usually a problem unless you step on them or attempt to handle them. The long distances between access points can be the single biggest hazard for most paddlers. The few rapids to be encountered will generally fall into the Class I- to I+ category, and are easily negotiated by being observant and taking the proper line through them.

SH 71 in LaGrange at 0.0 miles; US Highway 77 (poor access) south of LaGrange at about 1.0 miles; Brandt River Bottom Road, on river right, at about miles; Colorado county road southeast from SH 71 and Ellinger, on river left, at about miles; SH 71 Business crossing northwest of Columbus at about miles; Beason's Park access on river left at about miles;

There are no known campgrounds located along this reach of the Colorado River. There are, however, many great sand and gravel islands and bars that are suitable for overnight camping or daytime stopovers for lunch or breaks. This reach of the river provides for primitive paddling and camping for those who enjoy "roughing it" on a river.

There is at least one known commercial outfitter operating on this section of the Colorado River. Remote boat rentals and shuttles may be arranged by contacting Austin Outdoor Gear & Guidance (512-473-2628), or other outfitters and liveries operating at or near other nearby rivers.

The Colorado is one of those flatwater rivers that excites even a whitewater enthusiast because of the abundance of natural plants and animals to be seen. Paddling through a part of Texas that is largely unchanged from the frontier days before and after independence from Mexico is a step back in time, and if you close your eyes and open your ears you can sometimes hear the sounds of the past, where numerous Texas Indian nations fought Mexicans and Americans, and where the Texians made their stands against the armies of Santa Ana in 1836. Just seeing the bald eagles soaring in the skies overhead is an awesome thing to behold.