Gauge Description:
The USGS gauge is a crude indicator for runnability of this small creek. Better to look for 1-2" of rain within 24 hours at the
Pilot Knob & Glover rain gages and look for a sharp rise in the
E Fk Black River gage. Although it's several miles downstream of the run, there is a
paddler's gauge on the
Hwy 72 bridge over Stout's Creek at the head of Lake Killarney.
Stouts Cr @ Hwy 72 bridge (feet)Minimum3.0
Optimum3.5 - 5.0
Maximum?
River Description:
Upper Stouts Creek may be the most commonly run whitewater creek in Missouri, and for good reason -- 100 ft/mi gradient, easy roadside access, numerous eddy-catching drops, beautiful granite mini-gorge, etc. Throw in one good class IV with an intimidating run-out and you'll see why Missouri creek paddlers consider this one a gem ... even though it's less than a mile long.
Logistics:
Upper Stouts Creek is off Hwy M, west of Ironton and north of
Taum Sauk Mountain State Park. To get to the
take-out, begin in Ironton, MO at the intersection of Hwys 21 & M (aka W Russell St in Ironton) and go west on Hwy M for 3.9 miles to the intersection with CR 102. Park in the large pull-off area on the right and check out the take-out.
To get to the
put-in, continue on Hwy M for ½ mile to the intersection with CR 101A. Turn around here and park on the side of the road just downstream of the trashed-out trailer. Pull as far off the road as you can to avoid getting snookered by errant locals. Watch for broken glass as you walk/stumble to the creek. Better be warmed up cause the fun starts right away!
History:
Upper Stouts Creek was first run on Wednesday, 16 May 1990, by Chuck McHenry, Santo Albright, and John Tansil. An account of the run, written by McHenry, appeared in the July/Aug 1990 issue of the
_River Log_, newsletter of the Missouri Whitewater Association.