The Edwards Plateau is where the Lampasas rises and flows. It is an area of limestone bluffs, overhanging tree limbs that can pose problems for paddlers and occasionally deadfall log jams, particularly after heavy rainfall, that must be avoided. Between FM 1047 southwest of Evant in Hamilton County and Ranch Road 580 near Rumley in Lampasas County the river flows about 41.6 miles on mostly easy Class I water in a narrow channel, but with occasional fluted chutes and pourovers in some places that can rise to Class II or II+ in higher flow conditions. The river drops about 460 feet in elevation along this reach averaging a gradient of about 11 fpm. Though this river is not a perennial stream it can still be exciting and fun whenever it has enough water, and you will not be barraged with commercial development, so it makes a great getaway place for a day trip. With plenty of public access a paddler can find a distance that fits his or her needs, but one must always be aware of the potential dangers from low-hanging or deadfallen trees, especially in river bends where the water is swifter. Take note that almost all land bordering the river is privately owned, so take care to avoid trespassing. This reach of the Lampasas river is not particularly well suited for overnight trips due to private land ownership along its banks and a general lack of sand or gravel bars on which to camp within the streambed, so do not plan on paddling the entire reach in a single trip unless you are ready for a daylong marathon and have sufficient flow to sustain you.

The lower 6.6 miles from FM 1690 to RR 580 near Rumley features some small Class II to II+ ledges and lowhead dams that can be run with caution, but are generally not much of a challege for competent boaters. Still, the limestone can retain your skin if you swim or get too wide in a narrow channel. Be prepared if you miss your takeout at RR 580 because a short distance downstream you will encounter a riverwide dam with a keeper hydraulic current that could prove very difficult to escape if not impossible. It is navigable when the USGS Lampasas gage in Kempner is over 190 cfs. Put in on the north side of FM 1960 bridge where there is a lane for vehicle parking.  You will be stopped by a post barrier about 200 feet from the river. It is not a difficult climb down to the river. Try to stop and view School Creek Falls on river right about 1/3 mile from the put-in. There is an 8-foot waterfall just before the creek's confluence with the river. The falls are not visible from the river but are only 50 yards upstream. Private land lines both sides, so try to stay in the water.  You wont have much time for sightseeing on this stretch if the flow is over 300 cfs. At that flow expect to encounter a couple of Class II to II+ drops and half a dozen Class I's. The bridge at FM580 is the takeout for this reach. It is almost identical to the put in point with a single lane dirt track on the north side of the road, and it is about 200 feet from the river. If you are hungry or thirsty, then you are out of luck - the nearest convenience store is 20 minutes away in Lampasas.

Hamilton, Lampasas, Burnet and Bell Counties in the Texas Hill Country between Waco and Austin. Nearby towns include Hico, Halilton, Evant, Adamville, Copperas Cove, Killeen, Temple, Belton, Waco and Salado.

Waco 73 miles; Dallas 150 miles; Austin 108 miles; San Antonio 160 miles; Houston 240 miles; Oklahoma City 326 miles; Little Rock 468 miles; Kansas City 675 miles; Albuquerque 638 miles; Phoenix 1,015 miles; Denver 842 miles; Salt Lake City 1,257 miles (all distances are approximate and depend upon starting point, destination point on the river and route taken.

Water quality varies depending on the volume and agricultural run-off. Tyoically, if the the river is navigable, then it will be mirky and brown with silt and dirt. Water quality is generally good, though not drinkable without significant filtering or other processing.

The Lampasas River is best for canoeing and kayaking right after significant rainfall, but parts of it are navigable almost all the time other than in the summer months or during a prolonged drought period. The river is not particularly well suited for rafting due to its shallow gradient, narrow channel, sharp bends and occasional log jams.

There are no major hazards to navigation on this reach of the Lampasas River at normal to moderate flows, but there are some small fluted chutes and pourovers that can rise to Class II to II+ levels in higher flow conditions. Obstacles may include deadfall log jams, sweepers along the banks, especially where the river makes sharp bends and similar obstacles that can usually be easily avoided by competent paddlers. The river is very flat with no significant rapids or waterfalls, but it does have a gradient of about 11 fpm, so if there is a decent flow you can expect it to be steady and somewhat swift.

FM 1047 (N 31° 32' 49.64" / W 98° 20' 19.80") about 15 miles southwest of Hamilton at 0.0 miles; County Road 530 (N 31° 29' 38.93" / W 98° 17' 14.13") crossing west of Evant off US 84 at about 6.31 miles; US 84 (N 31° 28' 47.86" / W 98° 16' 23.89") crossing about 7 miles west of Evant at about 8.1 miles; FM 2965 (N 31° 25' 15.19" / W 98° 12' 43.19") crossing off US 281, 24 miles north of Lampasas, at about 15.4 miles; CR 105 (N 31° 22' 33.37" / W 98° 10' 47.50") crossing off US 281, 22 miles north of Lampasas, at about 20.7 miles; US 281 (N 31° 17' 36.04" / W 98° 10' 10.25") crossing, 15 miles north of Lampasas, at about 28.0 miles; Ranch Road 1690 (N 31° 14' 31.05" / W 98° 07' 03.72") crossing, 13 miles northeast of Lampasas, at about 35.0 miles; Ranch Road 580 (N 31° 10' 18.32" / W 98° 04' 17.36") crossing, 10 miles northeast of Lampasas, at about 41.6 miles.

There are no known public or private campgrounds located along this reach of the Lampasas River. This section is best suited for day trips. Accommodations (motels) are available in nearby Hamilton, Evant and other small towns located alaong US Highway 281.

There are no known commercial outfitters serving this reach of the river.

Catching the Lampasas River above Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir with adequate water for a paddle trip is a rarity, but right after a major rain event in the drainage area around and west of Hamilton the river is a pleasure to paddle because of its natural and undeveloped character. The river flows through farm and ranch land that has not been touched by many signs of civilization other than the roads that cross the river, most of which provide access points for starting or ending a trip. While this reach is not well suited for overnight trips, it is ideal for a scenic day trip whenever there is adequate water, though most paddlers will choose to run only part of it because of a lack of good campsites and an abundance of private land on both banks. It is not a highly travelled river, so you probably will not encounter others on the water with you here. The river is not recommended in the hot, summer months, nor during periods of prolonged drought. After a major rainstorm hits the area you need to watch for deadfall log jams, especially at river bends where the natural current sweeps you into potential debris piles.

You might be fortunate enough to view a wide variety of wildlife including deer, skunks, armadillos, raccoons, squirrels, rabbits, various songbirds and birds of prey, and the ever-present (though seldom seen) watersnakes and water moccasins. Late spring through late-fall months may also invite mosquitoes, and during the summer you will be treated to lightning bug shows at night that are awesome. The river is generally quite shaded by large trees lining the banks. This is a great place for those seeking a wilderness-type trip.