About the River Rauza:

• Length: 44.8 kilometres (LVM GEO land amelioration cadastre data)
• Start: Lake Lizdole
• Mouth: Vecpalsa. Before reaching the confluence, there is no continuous water connection in the Vecpalsa riverbed, meaning that the River Rauza effectively turns into the Vecpalsa.
• Total elevation drop: 99 metres
• Major tributaries: Ruņģi Stream, Šepka, Ludze, Lipsa

The most suitable and scenic boating section begins near the Rauza swings, close to Mežmuiža (coordinates: 57.388450, 26.040505). Upstream, the river contains numerous fallen trees, debris, and beaver dams, making boating extremely difficult. Beyond the Rauza swings, steep riverbanks rise along the river, and the riverbed is rocky, which at higher flood levels creates larger rapids in places. Deciduous forests line the banks, with only a few fallen trees and relatively few obstacles. After approximately 3 km, spruce forests begin to alternate with open meadows, the river calms, and the elevation decreases. After approximately 6.5 km, the River Šepka joins the River Rauza from the left, carrying slightly less water. Downstream of the confluence, the River Rauza becomes livelier, with small rapids forming in places. For the next 6.5 km, the landscape opens into meadows complemented by occasional farmsteads. Along this stretch, many exposed tree roots line the banks, creating a mystical atmosphere. The final 3 km of the River Rauza are calmer but still very scenic. The confluence of the Rauza and the Vecpalsa is barely noticeable – the rivers are connected by a narrow channel that dries up completely during dry periods. Almost imperceptibly, boating on the River Rauza becomes boating on the River Vecpalsa. The trip can conveniently end after approx. 1.5 km, where the river flows through the settlement “Caunes”, or it can be continued further towards Grundzāle or even the River Gauja.

• A road runs parallel to the River Rauza for most of the route, providing numerous entry and exit points and making it easy to adapt the trip length or follow boaters with a support vehicle.
• Rauza is suitable for paddling at moderate to high water levels; in summers and during dry periods, there is too little water. At low water levels, the trip is relatively calm, also suitable for paddlers without much experience, but be prepared for more obstacles and getting stuck on rocks.