Salt Creek

Salt Creek Rd to Henderson Lake Rd

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DifficultyIII-IV(V)
Length3.5 mi
Avg Gradient40 fpm
GaugeChoccolocco Creek at Jackson Shoal Nr Lincoln Al
Flow Rate as of 49 minutes
274 cfsbelow recommended
Reach Info Last UpdatedJanuary 25, 2006

River Description

From Will Reeves:

'Put in on Salt Creek road or upstream on a gravel road if needed (the best put-in is on private land on Salt Creek Rd., the other side of the bridge would be a tough put-in). This is a nice little creek run near the highest point in the state. It is totally different from the runs on Lookout or Sand Mountain. The bedrock is hard granitic rock. The creek above the Salt Creek crossing is small and sandy, with few rapids above a class I riffle. Below the bridge the character changes. The creek becomes a boulder field with small ledges, holes, and drops. After a short stretch of good drops it drops over Salt Creek Falls. The drop is runnable I understand. However on the only descent I've made, we portaged using ropes to lower the boats. The waterfall drops into a large amphitheater and is quite impressive. After the waterfall the creek continues with class III quality drops for awhile and flattens out.'

Apperently Richard Vest, Matt, and Rich did the first descent of Salt Creek Falls. Richard broke some ribs, Rich hurt or chipped a tooth and Matt was uninjured.


River Features

Put In

Distance: 0 mi

Backyard rapids

Class: IIDistance: 1 mi
Rapid
Backyard rapids

After passing under Salt Creek Road, a house will be visible on river left. At this point the river changes from a narrow stream with sand and gravel to a rockgarden that soon leads into ledges and a waterfall.

First Ledge

Class: IIIDistance: 1.5 mi
Hazard
First Ledge

After the river makes a slight bend, the rapids start with some entertaining ledges.

Salt Creek Falls

Distance: 1.55 mi
Portage
Hazard
Waterfall / Large Drop
Salt Creek Falls

Salt Creek falls is either a major portage on river left or an event involving a rope lowering on river right. The falls has been run with both successful and slightly less successful lines.

Follow up rapids

Class: III+Distance: 2 mi
Hazard
Follow up rapids

After the falls the river keeps up the good rapids for more than half a mile before slowing to flatwater again.

Take Out

Distance: 3 mi
Take Out

WR
Will Reeves

Jan 15, 1995


A big drp that can hurt.
Most of Salt creek is flat but when it starts to get rocky look out for the start of the rapids and waterfall.