Brush Creek
Shafton Ball Field to Trafford
Approximately 8 Miles
Class 1-2
Level: High
3-20-2002
Craft: Mad River Teton (Tandem Canoe)
Scenic Value: Moderate Population
Pollution Value: Moderate, Not Offensive / Foul
Difficulties: Overhanging Trees, Strainers, Downed Trees
Ernie's Report:
This was a very interesting run. It is definitely not a run for inexperienced canoers to be making, not at this level. The creek is typically not high enough to be run continuously. Since the Army Corps doesn't have a gauge for Brush, we established one for ourselves. If you stand on the Irwin side of the Rt. 993 bridge, there are old stone railroad blocks. Counting down from the top, (on this day) there were 8 blocks exposed. We launched the boat in Shafton across from the baseball field. The first 1/2 mile was running pretty fast with no real complications. There was a tree down about 3/4 mile covering approximately 3/4 of the river. Right after the tree, on the right, there is a fairly large waterfall creating some nice scenery for where you're located. Then, there is nothing real special until you go under the 3rd bridge. (up until this point it is pretty much just some fast moving water) After the 3rd bridge, you come into this canyon that has no possible way to port if needed. It is not very long of a stretch, but it gives the feeling of seclusion. After you get through this, you come up on the water recycling plant which leaves little to be desired. This particular stretch seems to move along quickly. There's not really too much excitement until you get to the 4th bridge which takes you under Rt. 993 in Larimer. This starts you into the fun 1/2 of this ride. Prior to anything difficult, There are some large waterfalls coming over the mountains on the left. Here is where you really get secluded from the road. Although you pass under Rt. 993 several times, you don't see many vehicles. Beware of this section! There are a lot of downed trees from this point. We didn't have to port once, but we did scout several of the old train bridges that you pass under. These bridges are all arch and made out of big stones (very nice scenery) The first railroad bridge contained large strainers on the left, unrunnable in any watercraft. There is a path on the right side but a ledge immediately before entering the tunnel. For all of the other bridges, the opposite was true. The only runnable path for these was on the outside bend due to debris build up on the inside. After this, the creek gets extremely twisty all through the valley. The next bridge was pretty much clear of debris. The 3rd one is actually 2 bridges that are difficult to see through. We ported on the left and walked over the bank to see what the other side looked like. The 2nd bridge in this series is actually a double arch. The right side was unrunnable in any watercraft. So, stay far left. The other side of the bridge was clear. Once again, you'll begin to get away from Rt. 993. You're in Ardara now, back to maneuvering around strainers and under the bridges that follow (there are 3 or 4 more railroad bridges) After the last railroad bridge, you come up on South Trafford. After going under the next road bridge, there are a series of ledges that produce a pretty rough section of water. Some nice hydraulics! This was certainly the fastest section of this run. There were some tall standing waves approximately 3ft. Stay to the right coming under the shallow bridge. There are some large rocks immediately after the bridge. They were all covered at this particular time. All in all, this was a very exciting run. At times, it's not the prettiest scenery, but the railroad bridges are a very nice touch.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
My Report:
Catch this run while it's up! If there are only 8 blocks counted (on the river right wall) at the Rt. 993 bridge in Irwin, It'll be interesting. At moments, the creek was unobstructed. Then, overhanging trees, strainers and downed trees. required attention. This involved maneuvering and good boat control. At this level, the creek was fast, with very few small eddies. At places, there were small drops and medium sized waves. The second half of the run was more difficult when it left Rt. 993. It twisted and turned in narrow sections. Scouting was difficult by land and boat. Several bridges and tunnels were navigated. The tunnels were old arch style railroad bridges. Some had a double passage. The first was ran far right. This was due to debris that piled up on the outside bend. It covered one complete arch and half the next. While entering the tunnel, a nice drop occurred. The rest of the tunnels were ran on the outside bend. Scouting of these tunnels is recommended, especially when the third is reached. Here, two tunnels are combined after a sharp blind bend. Paddlers should eddy out on the left bank. This will make it possible to walk up the hill and down to the other side. Check for a clear passage. Far left was our route. Towards the end of the trip, there were three places where the best rapids occurred. The first was immediately after an overhanging pipe. A rock garden that produced some nice turbulence. Next, a nice hydraulic underneath the right side of a low bridge. Finally, the biggest waves of the run were in the last stretch. Big enough to pour into the bow. Despite some sulfur deposit, a sewage plant and a few areas polluted by dumping, the run was in a nice setting. This included a few surprising waterfalls and a variety of wildlife such as deer, blue herring, turkey, peacocks and muskrat.