|
|  |
Available Information
|
| Route: |
Lake Creek Play Run (Deadwood Creek to Tide) |
| River: |
Lake Creek |
| Main River: |
Suislaw River |
| State: |
OR |
| Region: |
Northwest |
| Nearest Town: |
Mapleton |
| Class: |
Class 3-4 |
| Gauge: |
Mapleton |
| Difficulty: |
Intermediate |
| Recommended Levels: |
9ft and up |
| Season: |
Rainy |
Current Conditions (Source: USGS)
|
| Latitude: |
0.0000 |
| Longitude: |
0.0000 |
| CFS: |
1330.000 |
| Feet: |
5.290 |
| Updated: |
02/28 01:00 |
Description
Lake Creek has more playholes and surf waves than you can ever imagine. The river bed is formed by natural sandstone ledges, which forms beautiful playholes when there is a considerable amount of water. The three main playspots rival the top spots in the world. Depending on where you put in, the run is 5 to 7 miles long.
Grassylawn Hole: This hole is located on river left approximately half a mile downstream of Horn Rapid (class 4 -for a complete description of all rapids on Lake Creek, click on link below).
It is 15 - 20 ft wide with a very even break and has a big wave shoulder towards the center of the river. At flows around 9ft, it's shallow and better for spinning. At levels above 11ft., Grassylawn Hole becomes deep enough to cartwheel in. The wave shoulder is best around 14 ft., and the hole is big, but friendly. A good spin corner near the river left eddy also develops at this level. I've run this river up to 25 ft. and the hole was still there, but not nearly as fun.
Mill Hole: Located a mile downstream from the confluence of the Suislaw River with Lake Creek, Mill Hole is on river right next to the top of the second mill. This is one of the most dynamic spots on the river. The best levels for playing is between 9 ft and 13 ft - above 13 ft., it disappears.
At 9 ft., the hole is smaller and larger boats can hit the bottom. However, there is a good blunt shoulder next to the eddy. At 10 ft., the pile is at its stickiest level and is very good to cartwheel in. The blunt shoulder is also very good at this level.
At 11ft., Mill Hole has great shoulders and a good pile in the middle. As the river rises above 11ft., the spot starts to lose its crash and forms a big glassy wave. Finally, there is another hole directly below Mill Hole that is also good.
Redhill Wave: This spot is located towards the end of the run and is the last great "hurrah" of the trip. As you approach it, you will spot a noticeable knob on river left with a brownish, reddish tint to it. The wave, located in river center, grows up to five feet and is really fast, really steep, and really bouncy. At flows of 10ft., it's a 7ft.-wide, steep, green wave and is fairly easy to access, but is also very easy to pull off. A great spot for spins and blunts.
At 18ft and up, the wave gets huge and requires a hard ferry across a very steep wave/hole to get to. If you feel up to it, grab your balls and hold on! This hole can kick you.
-- Macy Burnham
Eddy Access
Grassylawn Hole: Good. The eddy is 50 yds long. At lower flows, the current feeding upstream is not that bad, but at higher flows (14 ft) and when you have 10 other kayakers in the eddy, prepare yourself for urban warfare.
Mill Hole: Good. There are some brush you need to fight in the eddy. If you find yourself 50 or 60 yds downstream, you can still catch it. There is also an old rundown boat launch nearby boaters can use to get in and out.
Redhill Wave: Excellent. The eddy is enormous and although it can get trashy at higher flows, its very friendly at lower flows. Located on river left.
Directions
Take Out: Tide. Oregon 36 parallels the river. From Eugene, take OR 126 east to OR 36. Take OR 36 northwest to Tide. Take out is at the small park in the town of Tide.
Put In: Deadwood Creek. From take-out, follow Oregon 36 upriver until you reach the confluence with Deadwood Creek. The put-in is at a small park near the river.
Campgrounds
Consider driving to Florence and staying at a cheap motel (20 miles west) because if you are out on Lake Creek, it is likely to be downpouring. If someone has an RV, van or is used to monsoon tent camping, then there are plenty of county parks along the river.
|
Click HERE to submit a report.
|
|
