Sign in to generate an AI timing estimate for this run.
Whitewater timing varies with scouting, portages, and group pace. Use as a planning baseline.
Description
This section is a great run for whitewater beginners. It generally has more rapids than the upper stretch, although none of the rapids are difficult. There is a large stretch of flat water above Martindale Dam. Because the San Marcos River is spring-fed, it tends to be one of the few rivers that is runnable during periods of drought. The river can be run below 200 cfs, but it tends to be scrapey.
Distances and gradient measured using GIS tools in 2015.
WARNING: Sieve Hazard at Cottonseed
In 2008, gravel washed out from under part of the former concrete dam structure at river left, causing water to rush underneath it and create a potentially deadly sieve. Paddlers report, as of early 2018, that the sieve is still active when the river is running relatively low. Stay right to avoid it. Do not swim into the river left eddy ("Suburban eddy") above the dam.