Otter Creek

1. Fish Liming Operation to Big Spring Gap(Upper Otter Wilderness)

Reach banner

May 25, 2026

Minimal portages

ReporterAdam Johnson
FlowLow Flow

Only a couple portages on the upper flatwater paddle in. This is after hiking for roughly an hour from the trailhead. Everything else we were able to (sometimes agressively) duck or work around. Stay on your toes, because wood does shift and fall into the creek. About 5 minutes into the hike, turn left to get onto the trail and off the access road. The road goes down to the creek and you probably don't have enough flow at that point (not to mention portaging trees). Follow the trail, through a couple of stream beds, for about an hour until you find a decent place to put in. We put in about 5-10 minutes past Harper Run (listed on Google Maps).

Minimal portages – Upper Otter Wilderness | American Whitewater