Dakota Adventures - FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my camera get wet? You can use zip lock backs for keeping many things dry. Keeping your camera in one can help keep water from dripping on it, but if it falls in the water it will probably get wet.

Are there bathrooms where we camp? Our campsites are set up entirely by your guides when you arrive at camp. Your guides prepare a porta-potty near camp. Dakota Adventures follows all Leave No Trace principles.

How warm and cold will it get? In May be prepared for temperature extremes, bring everything from sandals to warm sock, and shorts to thermal protection. Temperatures can range from 35 to 90 degrees fahrenheit. From June to August light-weight clothing listed on what to bring will keep you comfortable. Temperatures range from hot to cool.

What kind of boats do you have? We carry Wilderness Systems kayaks and MadRiver Canoes. We have single and double kayaks available. We use sea kayaks, which are more stable than whitewater kayaks. Frequently a group will start with both canoes and kayaks, then we switch people out during the trip. This gives everyone the chance to try both, usually at the group's request.

Which river should we paddle, the Cheyenne or White? We love paddling both, often we go on which ever has the most flowing water.

Is there any white water? No, there maybe a few small rapids, the paddling you will do is classified as flat water even though there is a gentle current.

What ages are your trips appropriate for? Ages 10 and up.

Is there a minimum group size? All guided trips must have at least six people in a group. There is no minimum group size for Dam Runs.

Will there be enough water when we go? Yes, the experienced staff at Steamboat utilizes the USGS Web site to monitor and forecast water levels. During drought years we may have to wait until a few days before the trip before confirming where we should go. If you want to check water levels yourself, you'll need this information:

On the Cheyenne use the gage site labeled "near Plainview". The Cheyenne River will stay above 120 cubic feet all summer once the reservoir on the Belle Fourche River is opened mid-June.
On the White River use the gage site labeled "near Oacoma".
Both the Cheyenne and the White River need flows of at least 120 cubic feet per second. Anything less and you are sure to be walking more than most would like.
You can also determine what the water levels will be like down the road, for instance if the gauge at Wasta or the gage on Rapid creek indicate a higher water flow it will take around three days to reach the gage at Plainview

What happens if it rains? We celebrate. It doesn't happen often. We cancel our trips only in case of winds over 25 mph or lightning.

Will someone show us how to paddle and pack our belongings? Yes, your guides will show you how to pack your gear at the pre-trip orientation, on site we will demonstrate how to pack the boat, then give a paddling demonstration before you enter your boats.

Where should we stay before and after our trip? Check out our lodging page for our recommendations.

Can you meet our special needs? So far we have been able to put together custom trips and menus, find interpreters for the hearing impaired, etc. Please feel free to inquire.

Can we cancel? Notice of cancellation must be received at least 30 days before the date of the excursion, or you will forfeit your deposit, usually 25%.