Oatka Creek is a seasonal creek that drains into the Genesee River just south of Rochester. The creek is characterized by numerous ledges and pour-overs. Though rather tame, it features a nice surf wave, many excellent play holes and a beautiful but unrunnable 50-foot waterfall (Buttermilk Falls). Oatka Creek is most fun when run at high levels (6 feet on the Garbutt gauge).
Western New York Area Reaches
Beaver Meadow Creek Canadaway Creek (1.) Canadaway Creek (2.)
Canaseraga Creek Cattaraugus Creek Cattaraugus Creek, S. Branch
Cazenovia Creek, W. Branch (1.) Cazenovia Creek, W. Branch (2.) Chautauqua Creek
Clear Creek, N. Br. Conesus Creek Eighteenmile Creek
Eighteenmile Creek, S. Br. Ellicott Creek Genesee (Letchworth)
Honeoye Creek Keshequa Creek Little Chautauqua Creek
Murder Creek Niagara Oak Orchard Creek
Oatka Creek Rushford Lake Outlet Sugar Creek
Twentymile Creek
Google Map of New York Whitewater
New York Whitewater Paddlers Facebook Group
Ran this 3/12/2011 around 5.25' or so down to the falls. A few strainers but all with sneak lines. However, I would recommend going left at the island instead of right as there is a nasty strainer and sticky situation as the right side converges back to the main. After scouting this we simply portaged across the island and put in on left side. Fun run at this level! Note -- Ran today (4/28/2011) and everything was clean -- not strainers. Right side was clear.
Stage 6 feet is considered flood by the USGS.
Stage 6 feet (2150 cfs) is considered flood, according to Harry Marinakis, who contributed most of the content to this page.
Permits are not required for this reach.
42.977901 ,-77.988297
43.015800 ,-77.965401
NA
We have no additional detail on this route. Use the map below to calculate how to arrive to the main town from your zipcode.
Buttermilk Falls
Surfing Heaven
Downstream from Buttermilk Falls
Seal on Ice
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