The Whitewater River watershed lies between the Zumbro and Root river watersheds. It consists of the North Fork, Middle Fork, and South Fork. The North Fork begins west of Carley State Park and joins the Middle Fork by the town of Elba. The Middle fork flows through Whitewater State Park. The South Fork originates west of St. Charles and meets the main stem just downstream from Elba. The Native Americans named the Whitewater River because in the spring it turned a milky white as high water eroded the light-colored clay on its banks. There are no white-water rapids. The North Fork and South Fork of the Whitewater River are narrow and shallow and are not recommended for canoeing or kayaking.

This route meanders through the bottomlands of the Whitewater Wildlife Management Area. The land is managed for wildlife production and is open to public hunting and wildlife watching. The Whitewater River is also a designated trout stream. The route begins with a carry-in access just downstream of the Highway 26 Bridge by Elba and ends at the Mississippi river. The total paddling distance is just over 14 miles. The route is easily divided into two shorter routes of 5.8 miles and 8.4 miles.

This river route is a DNR designated route but is not regularly maintained so fallen trees or other hazards could be encountered.

 Whitewater State Park is about 2 miles southwest of Elba on highway 74 and offers picnic areas, camping and hiking trails. Near Elba there is a fire tower that has been restored and is open to the public to climb. Once at the top there is a great view of the valley and the surrounding area. The Dorer Pools, between Beaver and the Mississippi River, is a great place to see ducks, herons, beaver, muskrat, otters as well as sandhill cranes.

The paddling guide "Canoeing the Driftless" provides a more detailed description and maps showing accesses and shuttle routes.