Rosebud Creek, West

The West Rosebud is usually divided into two distinct sections by local paddlers. The short but fun Upper run is about two and a half miles long and contains almost continuous whitewater. The longer Lower run is more than 10 miles long, with most of that distance in a wilderness setting. Although this lower stretch begins with the two most difficult rapids on the river and ends with a mile of fun Class IV, it has long sections of scenic flat water. In combination, the West Rosebud offers a unique opportunity for a full range of creeking conditions during warm summer days.

The put-in for the Upper run is easy and beautiful--just slide into Emerald Lake and enjoy the spectacular view of the still snow-covered peaks of the Beartooth Mountains while the slowest member of the party is still struggling with boating gear. The West Rosebud ramps down quickly from the outlet of Emerald Lake. The first half-mile of the run drops at an average rate of about 150 fpm through two rapids. The first rapid, Spillway, tends to be rocky at almost any level as the river widens and sweeps around a right turn visible from the road on the way to the put-in. A big eddy on the left turn near the bottom of the rapid also marks the beginning of the more difficult second rapid, Triple Tongue. At higher water levels, this rapid can become pushy.

After a half mile of fast and increasingly interesting water, the river enters the second steep section. This stretch, over a mile long, contains the best rapids on the Upper run. The first horizon line leads to an island and marks Snake, where the line is usually down the left channel. The hardest rapid on this run, Stump, is also marked by a horizon line and deserves a scout the first time down. At higher water levels (above 2.5 on the bridge gage), this rapid is a class V with three large, offset holes. Snag is not far below, again marked by an island, and usually run down the narrower right channel. Finally, Goat Boy is a long rapid w

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