Cook Creek

Lower Cook Creek is a quality class IV run with a half dozen notable rapids, each with a different style. From the bridge at the put in, boaters will have an easy warm up floating through gravel bars. As the confluence with Clammer Creek is approached, the creek narrows down and the river starts to tilt into a busy class III rapid that turns to class IV where Clammer Creek enters from the left. The read and run route is to start right and end middle as the creek becomes bounded by gorge walls. The rapid can be scouted on the left, but would be tough to portage. Around the next corner (a bend to the right) the creek opens up and a series of fun rapids come in a row, each with a short bit of easier water between. Scouting is always an option, so if you can't see through a rapid it's worth taking a look to avoid any wood and the occasional hazard. On the whole, the rapids are good quality. The last of the notable rapids occurs where bedrock banks constrict the creek into a twisting channel through boils and medium sized hydraulics. It is easier to eddy out on the left, but the better scout is from the right. Below this rapid it is easy floating through a scenic section to the take out, one small surf spot near Dry Creek might be worth a stop. The run is short enough, and the quality high enough, that it is probably worth a couple laps.

The shuttle is easy, on a good gravel road. Do scope out your take out while setting shuttle, the easiest option for getting up to the road is a gravel bar about 50 yards upstream of the bridge on river-right.

FLOWS: Use the Miami River gauge, 500 cfs was a friendly first time flow, a little on the rocky side but enough padding to enjoy.