Spearfish Canyon (7.6 miles)

The Spearfish Creek canyon section is a pleasant surprise for those looking for a step up from the through-town paddle.  It is roughly 7-8 miles long depending on which put in option you choose.  One is to put in at the roadside pull-out directly after Calamity Gulch Rd.  The other is to continue a short distance, turn left at the lodge and put in a mile East of Spearfish Falls.  This option is a bit more up-paced with several boulder sections that have been known to cause a pin induced swim or two.  Which ever route you choose, the scenery along the way is gorgeous and the action is nonstop.  Being a roadside creek, it is almost entirely scoutable during the shuttle.  But please take the time to  walk back into those few hidden areas and check for fresh strainers just to be safe.  A few of the main rapids are listed below but expect several other small drops in the 3-4 ft range throughout the run.  Hint: one is immediately before passing by the Spearfish Falls viewing area and another will get you warmed up for the Elbow Room stretch.  Have fun and stop in to Base Camp on Main St. in Spearfish for beta on this and other local runs.