Little Cottonwood Creek Paddle Report

Summary

Little Cottonwood Creek is a popular whitewater river run in Nevada which is suitable for intermediate to advanced paddlers. The ideal stream flow range for this river is between 200 to 500 cfs, which provides challenging rapids and obstacles while still being navigable. The class rating of this river ranges from Class III to Class IV, with some of the rapids being technical and requiring precise maneuvering.

The segment mileage of Little Cottonwood Creek is approximately 3.5 miles, starting from the state highway 208 bridge and ending at the confluence with the East Walker River. The river includes several notable rapids and obstacles, such as the "Widowmaker," "Zig Zag," and "S-Turn." The Widowmaker is a particularly challenging rapid with a tight chute that requires precise navigation.

Specific regulations for this area include the requirement of a valid Nevada state fishing license for anyone over the age of 12 who is fishing. Additionally, all watercraft must have a valid Nevada state registration or a valid registration from another state. It is also important to note that the river flow can change rapidly due to weather conditions, so it is important for paddlers to check the flow before embarking on a trip. Overall, Little Cottonwood Creek offers a challenging and exciting whitewater experience for experienced paddlers.