Crane Pond Creek, MO

Gauge Information

River Description

(Big Creek tributary)
Park in the parking lot right next to Crane Lake. Put in and paddle toward the gorge in the distance ... about 1/4 mile. (Note: this distance is not included in the gradient numbers cited above). The lake and land surrounding the gorge are public lands (Missouri Dept. of Conservation & Forest Service). After the creek exits the gorge, it's all private until the take-out.

While the run is only 2.35 miles, you'll need to paddle across the lake, carry around the dam which creates Crane Pond, scout the drops (7 in all), pick your way through willow jungles from Hell, and carry around a dam 1/2 mile above the take-out, so it will seem longer.

The gorge drops about 80 feet in 1/2 mile before it ends. Scenery is spectacular in the gorge, with short, catchable eddies. The most serious drop (about the 3rd or 4th one) is recognizable by the creek curving to the left and vegetation from the left intruding into the paddling corridor (i.e. be prepared for a fandango with a bush). Low-water runs have resulted in a lot of pins at this spot.

One final note ... because you have to paddle a tiny creek through private land be especially courteous if a landowner is encountered. We have had no encounters so far (except for the one at the take-out) but there's always a chance. Happy paddling!

History:
Crane Pond Creek was first run on Easter Sunday, 19 April 1992, by Greg Brown, Chuck McHenry, Bill Knight, Rich Bryant, Frank Wentz, Bill Weiss, and John Tansil.