April 29, 2019
| Reporter | William Boyer |
Ran this the other day at around 70cfs on the gauge. Can't say I would recommend it, unless perhaps there was more flow. Could be a decent class II run, however its rather manky and has a few hazards...
The hot springs are the coolest part of the run, and the water feels crazy under your boat. Weird and pulsing. Definitely the reason to check this creek off.
Downstream of the springs the creek warms substantially and gains flow. There are three major hazards to watch out for:
1. A 'rapid' with a very serious sieve directly in the middle of it. Just pay attention and you will spot the obvious cave -left or right of it is easy enough, but don't go straight into it.
2. After the canyon is a low head dam/weir at the gauging station. Can be easily boofed, but at higher flows you probably won't come out of it if you mess up.
3. Barbed wire fence in the cow fields before the road crossing. Flatwater above it, and lots of cows swimming/shitting in the river. Nasty.
Finding the put-in is a bitch, and you must hike down into the canyon. Putting in above the private fishing ranch is easier, but ensures you will have to navigate 2 barbed wire fences, several low bridges, and will likely be hassled about stream navigability.