Spring Creek
1600N Rd to RR bridge above Illinois River confluence (6.8 miles)
| Difficulty | I-II |
| Length | 6.3 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 23 fpm |
| Gauge | Big Bureau Creek at Princeton, Il |
| Flow Rate as of 1 hour | 67 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | March 13, 2025 |
River Description
Location: Just east of Spring Valley, IL
Put-in: Just east of Ladd, IL on 1600 Ave. N. (41.37899 -89.18351)
Take-out Parking: Spring Valley Dog Park (41.31904 -89.20010)
Shuttle: 6.7 miles / 14 minutes Click for shuttle map
Character: Mostly very rural float, interrupted briefly by a freeway overpass, golf course, and railroad frontage
River banks: Generally reasonable egress, with mostly grassy banks.
Typical width: 20 - 35 ft.
Put-in elevation is approximately 602'
Take-out elevation is approximately 449'
Total drop is approximately 153'
Average Gradient: 24 FPM
Drainage area at put-in: 32.6 square miles
Drainage area at take-out: 47.277 square miles
Drainage increase: 45%
Spring Creek lies just west and parallel to the popular Little Vermilion. With a smaller watershed, it will not as often contain enough water to boat.
You will almost assuredly encounter deadfalls and snags, perhaps fences or other items crossing low over the water, and one possibly low bridge in the golf course. At higher flows, each of these obstacles may prove challenging to navigate or portage.
River Features
Put In
Take Out
We are uncertain of take-out (and parking) logistics.
IF this is the normal take-out (at the railroad), DO NOT WALK ON THE RAILROAD TRACKS! Walk out well away from the tracks.
It is about 0.2 mile carry to the west to Spring Valley Dog Park, where (presumably) there should be parking.
Anyone have better info on take-out and parking? What do you do? Help your fellow boaters out by providing a 'Trip Report' with the details!
Trip Reports
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