Lusk Creek,

Lusk Creek Canyon (4.5 miles)

Canyon Overlook

Canyon Overlook
Photo of Overlooking Mellow Section of Lusk Creek by Photo Courtesy of Gib Egge - College of DuPage - Field and Experiential Learning taken May 17, 2003 @ 235 cfs/Not Running

Gauge Information

River Description

Lusk Creek is the most well-known whitewater run in Southern Illinois. It is one of the most pristine waterways in the state and is up for consideration as a National Wild & Scenic River. It is currently protected as a National Forest Wilderness area and sections as an Ecological Area.

The creek starts out in woodland bottoms with relatively minor gradient but soon is surrounded by rocky hillsides and cliffs. The culmination of these cliffs come in Lusk Creek Canyon where the cliffs rise directly out of the water to heights over one-hundred feet. After the canyon section, the cliffs recede and the creek is surrounded by forest for the final mile.

Rapids on this creek at low to moderate levels are Class II in nature. However, this is not a good beginner run. This creek flows through forests before entering the canyon. Due to regular flash floods, this run is strewn with wood. Much of this run is boat scoutable but quick eddy turns or ferries may be necessary to avoid strainers. Generally, routes around these strainers can be found, but be alert. There is one mandatory portage on Lusk Creek at the end of the canyon where two large boulders have seemed to catch every log that has ever floated into them. The safest portage is through a small boulder garden on river right.