Hazel Creek

I ran this stretch with a friend and a well-balanced cart system and everything was runnable. If you've never been here and want a gauge you are out of luck. USGS used to have a gauge here, but have removed it. Generally if the area has had a decent rain and there are still puddles on the walk up then you will be clear. The wide trail follows the creek closely, so be sure to scout rapids on the walk up. Watch out for lots of wood. While the gradient listed is similar sounding to Wilson Creek or other relatively steep runs, I'm not sure it is entirely accurate. At high water the lower falls and upper falls would turn into Class IV's, but generally if water isn't rushing over entire bottom ledge at lower falls (recognize this as the first and only small waterfall you come to, about 7-8 foot drop) then you're still in class III territory. I've run the drop the a few times and it seems to be totally clean and deep at the bottom. My suggestion is to run it backwards.