Big Creek

This stretch of water is greatly affected by storm runoff, so I don't know that I'd really want to try it except immediately after some rainfall. When we ran it, the creek was around 4 ft and 400 cfs, and looked very impressive compared to its normal, tranquil self. Park at the old mill and carry your boat upstream towards the dam. Pick a spot and put in and you will hit the fun stuff almost immediately. We were surprised by how fast we were moving and it is easy to get 'behind' the boat if you don't stay on top of things. The water will be very muddy and turbulent, but it seems to be mostly silt and not sewer; my friend swallowed some water but didn't get sick. Since it is post-storm runoff, there were also large branches and small logs floating around us. Once you get a little below the covered bridge, most of the excitement is over and all too soon pulling out on the left at the national park parking area just before Riverside Drive. At this level, we didn't have any problem going under the sewer pipes, but it doesn't hurt to walk downstream (path on the left side of the creek) and check. We did this one afternoon after work and could have run the river a couple more times before dark; we were in an out in less than an hour. One nice thing is that you are in the middle of a major metro area, but you are surrounded by the terrain which makes it seem more remote. Lots of fun for some afternoon giggles and the novelty factor.