Tyler Creek
Elgin: Eagle Heights Park to Fox River (4 miles) *** Access Issues ***
| Difficulty | I-II |
| Length | 3.9 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 21 fpm |
| Gauge | Tyler Creek at Elgin, Il |
| Flow Rate as of 1 hour | 18 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | March 3, 2025 |
River Description
Quick Facts:
Location: Elgin, IL.
Shuttle Length: 2.4 miles/7 minutes Click here for shuttle route
Character: In town run, through wooded parks, past homes, and finishing on a college campus.
Drainage area: approximately 38.9 square miles (at gauge at Big Timber Road).
Put-in elevation is approximately 795'.
Take-out elevation is approximately 710'.
Thus total elevation change is approximately 85'.
Information (lat, lng, elev, total drop, run length, shuttle length) adjusted and/or verified from best manual extrapolation of online data (via maps.google.com, distance measuring tool, and other resources). 2009.03.10
Richard DeGroat (Sugar Grove) and Andy Smith (Hinckley) provide (2009-03-14):
Not a bad little creek at all for the beginner boater at a low level (around 100 cfs) and the intermediate paddler at a higher level (200 cfs plus). The day we ran it it was rather low but still enjoyable (112 cfs). A couple of strainers that hopefully at higher levels would be overcome with water (always scout if inexperienced with river reading). From the old dam at the park down to Judson College is where the creek really comes alive. Can't wait to paddle it at around 275 cfs. which I think will be an ideal level.
We have no specific info on viable put-in location, shuttle information, drops or features. We encourage additional input from any knowledgeable paddler.
There are reports that Judson College (and its security personnel) are likely to take issue with boaters being on this stream. DO NOT GO ASHORE WITHIN COLLEGE PROPERTY!
River Features
USGS Gauge
Latitude 42°03'30', Longitude 88°18'14'
Kane County, Illinois, Hydrologic Unit 07120006Drainage area: 38.9 square milesDatum of gage: 745.00 feet above sea level
Put In
For a longer trip, there are those who suggest using this put-in, which adds a pleasant but mostly flatwater couple miles. Those interested in only the whitewater features will wish to use the alternate access (listed below).
Wing Park Wave
Convenient parking in Wing Park (for the pool) can provide access to this wave for park-and-play.
In the event that this runs in summer, expect spectators casually watching you as they head across the pedestrian bridge to the pool.
Take Out
After playing the wave within Judson College grounds, continue downstream to the Fox River, turn right (downstream) and paddle to Jerusha Avenue/Mable Avenue Park.
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportI ran this river 6/25/09 at about 230 cfs. The entire first half of the river had almost no whitewater, but was a pretty fun float with only 2 or 3 portages over log jams. The fun began at the public pool area next to the golf corse a bit before going under 31. There was a class II- or class I+ drop there that I played in for quite some time while people watched from the walk bridge going over to the pool. Past that there were some small waves and some very small drops all the way to Judson college with a couple more portages. On the campus, there was a class I drop that was also fun to play in. I took out at the Judson campus and the bacon bits (security) came and got on to me for paddling in their creek. We argued and I told them that I would paddle there whenever I wanted, but would stay off of their property because I am obviously such a menace to their students. My suggestion would be to put in at the pool near the golf corse and park and play there or go on down to the judson campus, but have a shuttle vehicle ready there because they may not be friendly.
Anybody want to paddle in Chi-town or elsewhere, feel free to give me a call: John Hudson 630-550-9832