Steep Creeks - Northern Idaho
Big Sands Creek
Big Sands Creek is a steep wilderness run.  It requires a two mile hike in and there is no trail along the creek for portaging.  If you enjoy adventure this is an excellent run.  The picture shows the middle section of the run which averages 260 feet per mile gradient.  The creek is normally runnable in June with levels between 300 and 600 cfs, although there is no gauge.
Put-in: Turn off highway 12 onto Elk Summit Road one mile east of Powell Ranger Station.  Drive over the White Sand and Crooked fork bridges to road 360.  Continue six miles to the ridge top, turn right up Savage Pass Road.  Nine miles up Savage Pass Road you will come to the Swamp Creek Trail.  Hike two mile down hill to the up in.
Take-Out: Turn off highway 12 onto Elk Summit Road one mile east of Powell Ranger Station.  Drive over the White Sand and Crooked fork bridges to road 360.  Continue six miles to the ridge top, turn right up Savage Pass Road.  Six miles up Savage Pass Road you will come to Colt Creek Cabin Road 359.  Turn left and follow the switchbacks six miles down to the river.
Gradient: 160 feet/mile, one section at 260 feet/mile
Length: 4.5 miles, plus 2 miles hiking
Smith Creek
Smith creek has been describes as one of the best steep creeks in the Northwest and perhaps one of the best in the United States.  The gradient is a continuous 250 to 500 feet per mile with the last five miles averaging 320 feet per mile.  From 150 to 250 cfs it is rated IV+ to  V+, from 250 to 500 cfs it is rated IV+ to VI.  For levels call the power plant at (208) 267-2744.  The creek is normally runable from April to June.  If you are seriously considering this run, there is an excellent description in Idaho, The Whitewater State by Grant Amaral.
Kayaker - Ben Davis
Put-in: Smith Creek diversion, where the low head dam was constructed to divert the water for the power plant.
Take-out: Above Smith Falls, near the power plant.
Gradient: 250 to 500 feet/mile
Length: 6 miles
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