| Difficulty | II+ |
| Length | 10 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 9 fpm |
| Gauge | San Gabriel Below Georgetown |
| Flow Rate as of 1 hour | 245 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | May 4, 2016 |
River Description
At the right levels (beta from paddlers indicates that 4000 cfs is probably ideal), this stretch of the San Gabe offers some great playboating opportunities-- particularly in the last 5.75 miles (below the Berry Creek confluence.) For more information, see Texas Whitewater.
NOTE: Many whitewater boaters choose to put in on Berry Creek at the FM 971 bridge, since the best rapids are below the confluence. This makes the total run 6.25 miles instead of 10.
Distances and gradient measured using GIS tools in 2015.
River Features
San Gabriel Park
Access PointDistance: 0 mi
Parking/access at river left. Put in below the low-water crossing.
FM 971 Bridge (Berry Creek)
Access PointDistance: 0 mi
Alternate put-in on Berry Creek, which allows whitewater boaters to concentrate on the rapids and play spots below the confluence -- subtracts 3.75 miles from the total distance.
Parking/access is available on the SW (river right, downstream) side of the bridge.
SH 29 Bridge
Access PointDistance: 7.17 mi
Parking/access at river left on the downstream side of the bridge
CR 100 (Low-Water Crossing)
PortageHazardDistance: 7.24 mi
Known to be hazardous. At least one boater has been swept under this crossing at high water. Portage on river left.
FM 1660 Bridge
Access PointDistance: 9.99 mi
Parking/access at river right on the downstream side of the bridge
Trip Reports
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500 & 1000 CFS - JP Roos
Jun 17, 2026
A couple of weeks ago, I did this section 2 days in a row. Both were done in tandem on a packraft to prepare for a race later in the year. Day one was just over 1000 CFS. There were some nice wave trains and maybe even an easy Class 2 rapid. Most of the good stuff is closer to Jonah.
Day two, the CFS was about 500. It was navigable, but not nearly as fun. The wave trains were half as big, and the rapids were almost non-existent.
If nothing else in Central Texas is flowing, this might still be an option.
?
Untitled
Sep 12, 2007
this run is a pretty good run. Lots of waves to surf on and Lots of small to medium rapids. Wad better then I thought it was. Only thing is the water is not so good. WAY better then the section below the dam. to Georgetown. We got out at Jonah and im glad we did some nice rapids the last 3miles.