Christiana Creek

Drainage area at our listed put-in is approximately 117 sq.mi. (as calculated via USGS StreamStats Beta software).

Two relatively nearest USGS gauges might be used to approsimate flows here.

Mill Ck nr Mottville gauge lists 43.5 sq.mi. drainge, so flow in Christiana could be about 2.69 (or ~2 2/3) times the Mill Creek reading.

Elkhart R at Goshen gauge lists 594 sq.mi. drainge, so Christiana could be 0.197 times (or just under 1/5th) the Elkhart R at Goshen gauge reading.

(An average of the above two gauge calculations might be a most meaningful value, but all of these are still merely approximations.)

There is public parking and a short carry to the creek where there are several good put in spots, some with easy seal launch possibilities.

The dam is constructed of concrete rubble so there are many chances to add scrapes to your boat here.

Approach this log across the creek with care. If water levels are high, paddle through the woods on the right.

This bridge has 4 short spans and may have to be portaged at high water levels. If you take the leftmost route you will immediately go over the drop.If you choose the other spans you can prepare in the eddy pool above the drop.DO NOT overturn under the bridge!There are old pilings with vertical rebar sticking up.This drop was built of concrete rubble.The whole creek is channeled into a 4 foot wide 2 foot high drop.There are good eddies on both sides so that eddy turns, peel outs, and ferrying can be practiced here.

Practice your beginningboof. The best chance of avoiding scraping your kayak here is left of center. Eddy out just past the bridge to practice ferrying. At some levels surfing can be done here.

Practice your beginningboof off the pipe and run down the middle to avoid the most concrete.Some limited surfing possibilities.

Practice your beginningboof off the dam. Practice your moving water roll with few consequences in the moving water below the dam. Take out and walk above the dam to practice easy seal launches.

Usually the best surfing spot on the creek with eddies on both sides.

At lower river levels the currents can easily dump unprepared paddlers where the creek empties into the St.Joseph River.

At lower river levels two waves develop between the islands on river left. Eddies let the paddler return for surfing, ferrying, peel out, and eddy turn practice.

Take out river right before the Main Street Bridge.