Oak Creek

Immediately downstream of the first parkway bridge, presently there is a large tree laying diagonally across the river. While this one can be gotten under by a skilled boater, in control, others will not allow passage. (Flow of 375 cfs.)

There is a very small ledge just a little downstream (immediate foreground of photo). For years massive trees blocked flow right at this ledge. Presently those are gone, but just downstream (background in photo) two more trees lay in and over the water, blocking passage. (Flow of 375 cfs.)

Just to convince you a bit more . . . one more snag. This one is just before the second bridge on the parkway road. And, you can see the problem with trying to get out . . . at least one side of the river is always a vertical wall, and in some places both sides. You cannot get out, but you cannot stay in your boat on the river!

Think there might be a good wave where the creek hits the lake? Nope! Nothing. Forget it. At least on this occasion, with a flow of 375 cfs. Maybe some time, at some flow, and some different lake level (yes, the lake height varies year to year) it could happen, but I wouldn't count on it.

Water dropping off the dam lands hard and shallow on bedrock. Do not even think about running this dam. (Flow of 375 cfs.)

Looking downstream from near the Mill Road, this shot shows the wave and pool beyond.
(Flow of 375 cfs.)

A closer look at the wave train and the pool. (Flow of 375 cfs.)

Looking straight down/across the main wave at Mill Road. (Flow of 375 cfs.)

Need a good reason not to do this? Just look at the water, and all the trash floating in the pool. Expect this to be the 'norm' almost any time this creek runs at what would otherwise be a boatable flow. (Flow of 375 cfs.)

The river-left shore has severely eroded and collapsed, creating a handy spot for access, mostly for fishermen who frequent this location. (Flow of 375 cfs.)

Just out of the pool, the wave train diminishes as it caroms off a rock wall diverting flow 90-degrees to the left to pass under the parkway road. There is substantial rubble under this flow, causing minor turbulence. (Flow of 375 cfs.)

Around another bend, expect another snag. Is this enough proof that you DON'T want to do this river? You'll be out of your boat as much as in it! That is, IF you could find a way to get out of the current to get out of your boat! (Flow of 375 cfs.)