Trace Creek,

Conway Meacham at Micro Blockhead

Conway Meacham at Micro Blockhead
Photo of Trace Creek by Robert Gregory taken March, 2002 @ 12 inches

Gauge Information

River Description

From Robert Gregory:

Trace Creek winds along Scenic Highway 7 in a fast, twisting, rocky run to its confluence with Bear Creek. Because Trace is never more than a few hundred yards from the highway it offers many access opportunities. This reach begins at the NFR 780 crossing. This access road is marked, and the crossing can be seen from Highway 7.

The first 0.9 miles is very tight with a continuous gradient, but no major drops. After the confluence with Sugar Creek the water volume increases and the creek opens up. Approximately 0.4 miles below the confluence with Sugar Creek is Trace Falls (II+). This is a 4 ft. ledge that is best run right of center in low water, but can be run almost anywhere in high water. This rapid can be easily inspected from Highway 7. It is located 250 yards north of the intersection of NFR 694 and Highway 7. It is 40 yards west of the highway.

About 0.2 miles above the NFR 45 crossing is Micro Blockhead (II,II+). This rapid consists of a fast shoal towards river right and a nice hole, followed by a large rock on river right. It is much like a tiny replica of Blockhead (aka Big Rock) on the South Fourche LaFave, hence the name.

At water levels above 12 inches it is possible to paddle over the NFR 45 crossing, but beware of the culverts on far river left. From here it is only a short paddle (0.4 miles) to the confluence with Bear Creek. About 0.25 miles below the NFR 45 crossing is a sharp turn to river left and the approach to Logpile Rapid (II), followed by several rocky rapids as the creek empties into Bear Creek.

From the confluence with Bear Creek it is 0.9 miles to the access at the Highway 7 bridge, or 2.1 miles to the access at NFR 86.

Check out nearby Bear Creek as well.