Sullivan Creek

Sullivan Creek is a short, high-quality series of class IV bedrock rapids through small gorges flowing off of the east-side of the Swans. The whitewater is continuous, but all boat-scoutable and there are good eddies to look a little farther ahead if no one has been in there to see the wood situation. Most rapids are easy read-and-run, but there are some smaller stout holes to be aware if you're not careful. Paddlers should be solid at the grade. After the mile-long upper gorge drops off, Sullivan Creek flattens slightly and then enters another series of small gorges with a drastically different character: fun surf waves, interesting eddies and a scenic walled-in feel. It is a fantastic exit to a very good whitewater run. To reach the put-in, park at NF-547 on the east side of Sullivan Creek at the gate, and hike up about 2.75 miles before dropping down a road wash-out into Sullivan Creek proper. We dropped in from the regular road, but I think you could take NF-547C down to the wash-out to shorten the hike slightly. This will put you just above the good stuff in the first gorge. The take-out is the road bridge crossing the Hungry Horse reservoir at the end. Say hi to the fishing boats as you pass by. You can hike higher up as well: We hiked all the way up to the Connor Creek/Sullivan Creek confluence which gives you another 3-4 miles of braided, low-gradient class II with a few wood portages.