This is a 1 or 2 day trip.  The paddle from Red Rock to Ottumwa begins at the boat ramp just to the south of the dam, on the east side of the river.  This is Howell Station, with a partially restored bridge (Horn Bridge) that was one of the first over the river.  Paddle under the standing section of the bridge along the east bank, there are submerged pillars to the west.  It is about 2 miles to the Harvey bridge, another 7 miles to Hwy. 92 bridge, and 2 miles to Lamphier's Landing on river left.  There is a boat ramp, with more facilities to come.  A mile further on is the old Hwy. 92 access near Tracy.  You can carry a canoe down to the river here, and the neighbors are friendly.

It is another 8 miles to the Eveland Access, which has excellent camping facilities, and is located just off Hwy. T39.  The run from Red Rock to Eveland is about 20 miles.  This area of the river is alternating areas of greenbelt and riverside development.  Folks will wave to you from their decks and their campers as you paddle past.

From Eveland, the G71 bridge is 4 miles, Hardfish Access is another 4  miles.  There is a well-kept boat ramp and camping area, no amenities.  In another 2 miles, you pass the new levee at brave Eddyville and paddle under the Hwy. 137 bridge.  There is no boat ramp at Eddyville anymore.  Another 5 miles takes you past the power generating plant at Chillicothe, which presents  no obstacles to paddling but is an awesome sight.  The Chillicothe bridge is another 2 miles downstream.  Amtrak runs through this area, and the trains are a nearly continuous presence down to Ottumwa.  This was the route of the very successful River Ripple canoe float on 1999-2005.

South of the Chillicothe bridge 3 miles, the Amtrak tracks cross the river, and trains pass by frequently.  The river also twists and turns through mostly forest area.  The last 4 miles to Black Hawk Access takes you past riverside homes, beautifully kept.  I was paddling in a rain squall against strong winds and waves, but the sights of the river made the effort worthwhile.  Black Hawk Access is to the north and east of the island.  The run from Eveland  to Ottumwa is about 26 miles.  If you go right at Turkey Island, you will find a boat ramp on the south shore just off Hwy. 34.  It is also fairly easy to portage around the hydro dam by carrying your boat along the levee down to the Coliseum access.

Once past the hydro dam, you will see the Ottumwa Coliseum (now Bridgeview Center) boat ramp, which is unique in that it is outside the levee on a road set on an angle up and over the levee wall.  It is a 4 mile trip down to Cliffland Access, which has excellent camping facilities and is close to historic Agency, where Chief Keokuk sold Iowa to the U.S.