Barton Creek,

2) Lost Creek to Loop 360 (Austin) (5 miles)

Photo#9518

Gauge Information

River Description

This section of Barton Creek is a Texas favorite. While the creek often does not have enough moving water to be runnable, it rises quickly with heavy rain fall. Parking is typically available under (or near) the bridge on Lost Creek Boulevard, if full, park on one of the nearby cross streets. The creek sometimes crests the low water bridge so use caution if you decide to park on the bridge, your vehicle might not be there when you return. Area residents seem to be very supportive of local boaters and vehicles tend to be safe.

Because the creek is not always running there are many trees and strainers throughout the run especially when a long time lapses between flows, so use caution.

The first mile of the run is pretty uneventful, there are a couple of small wave trains until you reach the first in a series of drops. A seven foot dam presents a great boof opportunity, many choose to run the drop river right and punch through the hydraulic at the bottom. Others select an easier route center-left which is more of a stair-step then a straight drop. Scouting is advisable to ensure that no debris or strainers are blocking your way.

The next section of the run has a couple of small drops and playspots including Twin-Falls, which is usually run river left, however a tricky eddy line often causes boaters to take a line that pushes them into the hole at the bottom of the drop. Most say that the river right option can only be run at high water although it has been successfully run at 700 CFS. When scouting be sure to look for log jams and other strainers which tend to pile up in this area. The remainder of the run is made up of boulder gardens and small wave trains.

Shuttle vehicles can be left at the trail-head next to the Loop 360 Bridge where Mopac and Highway 360 intersect. There is plenty of parking available at this take out, when on the water watch for the wooden fence on river right just after you go under the 360 bridge to avoid missing the take out. Follow the trail up to the parking area about .2 miles.

*Many continue on for the remaining 2 miles and take out at Zilker Park to take advantage of some of the best rapids and playspots on the creek.