Bitch Creek

Bitch Creek is a great whitewater run through a scenic canyon that flows between densely forested slopes and arid volcanic cliffs and hoodoos reminiscent of the Bruneau River. At moderate flows much of the run is class III/IV with two standout class IV-V rapids that can be walked. With this said, because of the wood hazards, technical rapids, isolation, and length, the run would be stressful for paddlers with less than solid class IV skills. The various forms of basalt in the canyon make great rapids with good structure, and lots of smooth boofs.

The run starts off with a few miles of very technical Class III+ whitewater before coming to the first Class IV-V rapid called Driscoll's Drop. It is a long twisting rapid with some wood hazards and some moves that you really want to make. Scout from river right, and portage across the talus if need be. More great technical whitewater continues for several miles, including a rapid called Hansen's Half Mile. until Z-slot is reached, which features a large rock on river left and an obvious horizon line on the right. Paddlers typically run a slot on the far right. The next major rapid is called Balls to the Wall and forms a riverwide hole at some levels. More great whitewater and scenery continue to the confluence with the Teton River. Once in the Teton you'll have five Class III+ big-water rapids to run before you reach the takeout on river right where an island splits the river. This section of the Teton was once under the ill-conceived and ill-fated Teton Reservoir. Miss the big holes, enjoy the big waves, just like many Idaho rivers!

Note that this description is based on medium flows. Like many technical creeks with wood, at high flows Bitch Creek would be at least a full grade more challenging. With this said, local paddlers that know the run enjoy high water descents of Bitch Creek.