On August 2nd, Tony Allred, John Kemper (PFD) and Wayne McDaniel (PFD) took advantage of a recent thunderstorm to paddle the seldom-run Deer Creek from the Walters Mill kayak/canoe launch to the Deer Creek Conservation Area Access (4.3 miles). The level was 2.44’ (120 CFS), described by American Whitewater as Low Runnable. To illustrate just how obscure this creek is, it’s not included in Steve Ettinger’s encyclopedic Capital Canoeing and Kayaking. John and Wayne paddled kayaks while Tony made the initial test drive of his new ultra-light Packraft.
The creek had clearly been out of its banks during the thunderstorm (crested at 9.51’) and the put-in ramp was covered in mud so we each opted for a seal launch over a grassy bank. This is essentially a Class 1 run with two Class 2ish rapids toward the end so presented no difficulty for our group. It’s a lovely creek, particularly through the conservation area with few signs of civilization. The takeout is Class 4 up a steep, muddy bank – fortunately some picnicking locals were happy to assist with our boats.
Deer Creek has whitewater sections above and below what we paddled so more PFD opportunities after the next thunderstorm.