North Fork (White River)

McKee Bridge was removed in July of 2024.

Floated from Twin Bridges (just off hwy 181) to the RIver of Life Farm on 5/3/14 with a flow around 730 cfs on the Tecumseh gage. Based on the conditions we observed I wouldn't think it would be much fun to float anything upstream of Twin Bridges at a lower flow. We had to drag our 16' SOAR Pro Pioneer two or three times, but otherwise had a really enjoyable trip. The water is cold and crystal clear. The fish are plentiful and the scenery was really interesting for the bulk of the trip. The only noteworthy rapid on this stretch was The Falls, which had a nice chute right of center. It was not far downstream of McKee's Bridge. This rapid is essentially a 2-3 foot ledge with a lot of exposed rock that would potentially tip a canoe. Its really nothing that should stop anyone in any vessel from floating this river. You could portage around if you were really concerned, or just figure on getting wet if you aren't able to hit the chute.

There is now a USGS gauge near Tecumseh. Even being spring fed the stretch above Hammond Camp is not floatable at 2.30 on the Tecumseh gauge and the stretch between Hammond and Patrick requires carfully selecting a channel to keep from bottoming out in several of the rapids at that level.

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mo/nwis/uv?dd\_cd=02&dd\_cd=05&format=gif&period=31&site\_no=07057500

Also the low-water 'Blair Bridge' mentioned in C&K Guide to the Ozarks has been replaced with a concrete bridge 30' above the high-water line. Portaging around is no longer required.