Bear Creek

Large tree across the creek about 150 yards below the I-68 bridge; it can be scouted from under the bridge on the way to the put-in. We ran the last 3 miles from the pipeline crossing to the Yough at ~400 cfs, which was a med-low flow that left time to find ways around the 1/2 dozen or so other downed trees. Overall a pretty creek, except for the final channelized section in Friendsville (below the big river-wide tree).

Whoa. Thanks for mentioning Maryland and Delaware Canoe Trails, but those are not my words. The book describes Bear Creek as “an attractive little trout stream”, disparaging neither the water quality nor scenery, much less likening it to a roadside ditch.

Roadside drainage ditch?? It'd gorgeous! Fast water through a tunnel of green woods. Sporty rapids, especially at the ledge by a new mansion and the long slide above the stone bridge. At 600 cfs it was fast enough to get me panting!

ran it at 351 cfs. a few trees down. major strainer after hot tub rapid.

Paddled Bear a lot this spring, often putting in just above where an old metal bridge crosses the creek. It makes for about a 4 mile run including most of the best rapids, though there is an even lower put-in that skips some of the early class 2-3 stuff.

The first mile is generally class 2-3 boogie water, then the river picks up through a few slides and boulder gardens, fun Class III+ rapids. It ends that stretch with a bend to the right and a creek coming in on the left (one of the Forks of Bear Creek). The next rapid is a really fun boulder garden with multiple lines, and probably the best rapid on the river. Another rapid leads you to a left bend in the river, which leads to a horizon line that is tough to see past. It is slide that can be run just about anywhere, as the rock that used to be in the landing at the bottom middle has washed away. A few more boulder garden rapids (and a few bridges) lead you to the end of the run. Just after the last bridge as you approach the park in town is a great 4-5ft boof rock, a nice way to end your trip. It's a great stretch to use as a warm-up for a day that includes Meadow, Fikes, or other similar creeks in the area. I found 350cfs and up to be great levels, it starts getting pretty scrapy below 300cfs.

The stream was clear of trees as of the Fall of 2011, though it is definitely in a wooded area, so always keep on the lookout. There aren't many blind rapids though, so you should be able to spot them in advance.

some boogie water, level was around 500 cfs

The first larger class IV on the run. level was around 500 cfs

Was on bear on 8/2/2008 at well over 1,500 cfs. Trees were very much an issue in the upper half. Only one tree was especially a problem mid-rapid and led to a member of our group broaching, swimming and walking off. The others were carefully avoidable. Use caution. Another crew took off of Bear within the first few miles because of wood.

The view looking up Bear Creek. We ran Bear at this level and had a great time. The upper half above where the photo was taken was a bit sketchy with wood but mostly good to go. I recommend around 1,000 cfs for a first time.
See You on the River

This is a lovely stream that is near a road that is usually barely noticeable. When I did it a few years ago, we put in below an obvious concrete bridge that was too low at that level to navigate. There was one tree portage and one or two logs to paddle around. The first scoutable drop was a tight plunge between overhanging branches down a diagonal ramp to the left. The wave at the bottom was intimidating, but not malevolent. The next big drop is a broken ledge adjacent to the elevated patio of a house. Scouting is advised. Below here, the channel is worked by bulldozers and less attractive, but still fun. After an initial cautious run, it's no problem to bomb down in less than an hour, generally when everything else is too high. The streambed is narrow and fast! Great fun!

I'd say a reasonable minimum for most people would be 225 cfs or so. My first run was at that level, and the upper portion was extremely scrapey. Personally, I think 250-400 is a nice level, 300-375 being ideal. I'd have to recommend only boating the bottom 3 miles, and taking out at the park in Friendsville. The Upper section is very pretty, but lots of wood.

I'd have to take issue with the Gertler description - perhaps he was on another stream. I found the water clear when I was there - wintertime though - and the banks are lined with mountain laurel and hemlock trees. It is true the last bit has camphouses along it, but I found this run to be surprisingly pretty given its proximity to the road.

This photo gives you a general idea of how wide the creek is in the upper half. Its a great run, I have done it as high as 1,800. Over 1,000 I recommend a very solid class V crew even though its still a class IV run. Very continuous and swims could be henously long.