Stouts Creek

Gauge Description:

The USGS gauge is a crude indicator for runnability of this small creek. Better to look for 1-2' of rain within 24 hours at the Pilot Knob & Glover rain gages and look for a sharp rise in the E Fk Black River gage. Although it's several miles downstream of the run, there is a paddler's gauge on the Hwy 72 bridge over Stout's Creek at the head of Lake Killarney.

Stouts Cr @ Hwy 72 bridge (feet)*Minimum3.0*Optimum3.5 - 5.0Maximum?

River Description:

Upper Stouts Creek may be the most commonly run whitewater creek in Missouri, and for good reason -- 100 ft/mi gradient, easy roadside access, numerous eddy-catching drops, beautiful granite mini-gorge, etc. Throw in one good class IV with an intimidating run-out and you'll see why Missouri creek paddlers consider this one a gem ... even though it's less than a mile long.

Logistics:

Upper Stouts Creek is off Hwy M, west of Ironton and north of Taum Sauk Mountain State Park. To get to the take-out, begin in Ironton, MO at the intersection of Hwys 21 & M (aka W Russell St in Ironton) and go west on Hwy M for 3.9 miles to the intersection with CR 102. Park in the large pull-off area on the right and check out the take-out.

To get to the put-in, continue on Hwy M for ½ mile to the intersection with CR 101A. Turn around here and park on the side of the road just downstream of the trashed-out trailer. Pull as far off the road

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