Spearfish Creek
Spearfish Canyon (7.6 miles)(The Upper Canyon)
| Difficulty | II-III |
| Length | 7.6 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 90 fpm |
| Gauge | Spearfish Creek Above Spearfish, Sd |
| Flow Rate as of 6071 days | 77 cfsstale data |
| Reach Info Last Updated | December 16, 2020 |
River Description
The Spearfish Creek canyon section is a pleasant surprise for those looking for a step up from the through-town paddle. It is roughly 7-8 miles long depending on which put in option you choose. One is to put in at the roadside pull-out directly after Calamity Gulch Rd. The other is to continue a short distance, turn left at the lodge and put in a mile East of Spearfish Falls. This option is a bit more up-paced with several boulder sections that have been known to cause a pin induced swim or two. Which ever route you choose, the scenery along the way is gorgeous and the action is nonstop. Being a roadside creek, it is almost entirely scoutable during the shuttle. But please take the time to walk back into those few hidden areas and check for fresh strainers just to be safe. A few of the main rapids are listed below but expect several other small drops in the 3-4 ft range throughout the run. Hint: one is immediately before passing by the Spearfish Falls viewing area and another will get you warmed up for the Elbow Room stretch. Have fun and stop in to Base Camp on Main St. in Spearfish for beta on this and other local runs.
River Features
Kissing Rocks
The kissing rocks are not much of a rapid but worth noting because they do pose a potential pin hazard. A quick turn is required to maneuver between these two massive boulders.
Update: as of 7/16/13, the wood on river left has been removed allowing passage around rather than through the kissing rocks, if you so please.
Put In
Victoria's Secret
This sneaky little rapid hides just around the bend after you pass under the Victoria Lane Bridge and pass the last cabin. The creek makes a sharp left and you drop down into a short, fun wham bam. Be ready for a strong brace. Also, scout this area for wood before running. Most of this creek can be scouted from the road but this is one of the few sections you need to actually walk back in to just to be safe.
Elbow Room
Elbow room is considered the crux of the upper canyon stretch. This is a short but swift boulder section with a large rectangular rock splitting the current in two paths. The rapid must be run river right (at standard levels) where there is just enough room to squeeze your boat through. Beware, the passage is off-camber and you may find yourself losing some skin as you pass through. Elbow pads recommended. A couple quick moves immediately after will get you around the bend where you're met with 2 more small funnel drops. A fun, fast 1/4 mile.
Take Out
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportGood video of the run here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QbnNAypS4M
Elbow room rapid on Spearfish Creek