Water Trails

On August 20, 2019, the City of Johnston celebrated opening the first water trails access point. The new carry-down access point on Beaver Creek, located on NW 70th Street, just east of NW 86th Street, in Johnston, is the first of the 86 sites of improvement throughout the metro aimed at encouraging engagement with the waterways.

Quarry Springs Outfitters will provide kayak rental services at the NW 70th Avenue Beaver Creek access and Terra Park when the Beaver Creek flow is too high and unsafe, or when the creek is too low to allow for kayaking.

  • Renting at Beaver Creek: Crescent Splashback kayaks, MTI life vests, and Bending Branches paddles are provided in the $25
  • Terra Park: This lake is located at 6300 Pioneer Parkway. Life vests and paddles are included in the $15 fee for the first hour, $10 each additional hour for single kayaks, $20 for the first hour, $15 each additional hour for tandem kayaks. 
Rentals are available for ages 12+ on Beaver Creek, but families can decide what age they are comfortable with when renting at Terra Park. Shuttle service is not available for renters to get the kayaks back to the rental start location - the person renting the kayak is responsible. 

Rentals will be available in Johnston from Memorial Day through Labor day, weather permitting, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Due to the construction on the 35/80 bridge over the Des Moines River, it is suggested renters exit Beaver Creek on the East side of the Merle Hay Ave bridge over Beaver Creek on the North bank next to the bike trail. That provides a relaxing 2-3 hour paddle.

Rentals available
  • 16 single kayaks 
  • 1 tandem kayak 
Quarry Springs Outfitters rental information can be found by visiting: