Wilson, North Fork

This is a short run that goes quickly when it is running. It has a mostly continuous nature and few well defined drops, making it less popular than the nearby Devil’s Lake Fork Wilson R. and Jordan Creek, though it pairs with either of those runs well. When flows are getting high, this can be a good option as it handles loads of water well.

The put-in is marked by a OHV sign where the West North Fork Wilson joins the North Fork. There are several play spots along this run and a nice pool below the Wilson River Trail footbridge, about 1 mile before the confluence with the main Wilson. Jones Creek Rapid (III) is located at the take-out.

When the Wilson gauge is around 2000-2500 cfs it is kind of low and gets better when the Wilson is at least 3000 cfs.  At 7,500 cfs it is a continuous class III(IV) flush with large hydraulics that can be avoided or taken on.  Jones Creek rapid is class IV at that flow.  While class III-IV boaters will have a great time if they stay in their boat when the water is up, a swim can be hard to clean up as flows surpass 5,000 cfs.  This video at 6,000 cfs was described as the 'absolutely perfect' flow.