Canyon Creek river run
Canyon Creek
The river features several challenging rapids, including the "Pinball" rapid, which requires precise maneuvering through a series of boulders, and the "Boulder Garden" rapid, which is a technical section with tight turns and boulder obstacles. Canyon Creek also features some relaxing sections that allow paddlers to take in the beautiful scenery.
Specific regulations for this area include a requirement for all paddlers to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times and to carry a whistle. The use of alcohol and drugs is strictly prohibited, and all trash must be packed out. It is also important to note that the river is closed to boating from May 1st to July 31st to protect spawning trout.
Overall, Canyon Creek offers an exciting and challenging whitewater experience for intermediate paddlers. It is important to check current streamflow conditions and adhere to all regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip on this beautiful river.
Plan your run down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram; rain ahead of a run typically lifts flows 12-48 hours later depending on the basin.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks -- the upstream story that drives next week's flows.
Regional streamflow levels
USGS streamgauges around Canyon Creek -- useful for spotting upstream pulses and gauging which tributary is contributing what.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| North Fork Powder River Near Hazelton | 3 cfs | → |
| Nf Powder River Below Pass Creek | 50 cfs | → |
| Bighorn R At Worland Wyo | 4,350 cfs | → |
| Middle Fork Powder River Near Barnum | 17 cfs | → |
| Shell Creek Above Shell Creek Reservoir | 12 cfs | → |
| South Piney Creek At Willow Park | 0 cfs | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest boat launches, other paddle runs, and campgrounds so a day on the water can grow into a full weekend.
Other river runs
Campgrounds
- Leigh Creek Campground
- Leigh Creek
- Tensleep Creek
- Boulder Park Campground
- Boulder Park
- Castle Gardens Scenic Area Campsite 1
Fishing spots
Whitewater safety
- Check the flow before you run
- Use the linked-gauge card and Regional Flow panel above. Class ratings change with flow -- a Class III at low water can become Class IV+ at high water.
- Know your skill ceiling
- Pick runs comfortably below your ceiling. Cold-water and big-water runs raise the consequences of any mistake.
- Wear the right gear
- Helmet, PFD, drysuit / wetsuit when water is below 60°F. Throw bag, knife, and whistle on your person, not in the boat.
- Scout, set safety, and run with a team
- Scout new rapids on foot, set safety with throw bags above the consequence pool, and run with at least one other competent paddler.
- Respect the river
- Strainers, undercuts, low-head dams, and wood can kill at any class rating. When in doubt, portage.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Canyon Creek as a favorite, set a discharge threshold (e.g. "alert me when flow hits 600 cfs"), and the iOS app pushes the moment the linked gauge crosses.
About Canyon Creek
What's the optimal flow for Canyon Creek?
The optimal flow depends on the section and the craft. Check the Run Details panel for the linked gauge and current status.
How fresh is the cfs reading on this page?
The linked USGS streamgauge reports continuously (every 15 minutes); Snoflo refreshes throughout the day. Hover the streamflow sparkline to read individual datapoints.
What's the whitewater class?
See the Run Details panel for the class rating Snoflo tracks for this run. Class ratings change with flow -- a Class III at low water can become Class IV in high water.
Where do I put in / take out?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions to the put-in. For shuttle planning, check the Nearby Boat Launches panel and the river run operator's site.
Can I get alerts when flows hit the optimal range?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this run, set a discharge threshold, and you'll get a push the moment the gauge crosses.
Other runs near here
Snoflo-tracked paddle runs within driving distance of Canyon Creek.