Butler Frontier Park

We had previously listed this run as starting at Frontier Park in Butler since (years ago) it had been a fine run from there.

However, at present we strongly advise against putting in anywhere upstream our listed put-in at Hartung Park (just east of Mayfair Road)!

Why?

Numerous areas of massive deadfall and snags block passage of river between Frontier Park and the confluence with the Little Menomonee River (which comes in just upstream of Hampton Avenue).

If you attempt to paddle this stretch, your overall impression will be that you are spending nearly as much time and energy portaging as you are paddling.

Additionally, in Curie Park there are three golf course bridges which are problematic at nearly every boatable flow.

You will note that this put-in and a number of following "Rapids" (locations/features) are listed with negative mileage values (their distance upstream from our recommended put-in at Hartung Park).

We detail these locations/features by way of emphasizing why you should not put in upstream of there, especially since there are a couple of websites (mostly for recreational paddlers rather than experienced whitewater boaters) which suggest put-ins upstream of our recommendation.

So, if you don't need further details or convincing, just scroll down past these first thirteen upstream 'features' until our listed put-in at Hartung Park (Mile 0).