The varations of Rock Creek, Lake Fork and West Fork of Rock Creek are local creeking favorites. Located high in the Beartooth Mountains above Red Lodge, MT, the Rock Creek runs offer beautiful high mountain scenery with some of the best classic creek boating in the area.
| River Facts | |
| Class: | III / IV |
| Season: | June / July |
| Water Level: | 500cfs - 1200cfs |
| Run Length: | 6.5 miles |
| Avg. Gradient: | 110 ft/mile |
| . | |
| Put-In: | Lake Fork Campground. Follow highway 212 - 6.5 miles south of Red Lodge. |
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| Take-Out: | Pull out across from the "Pointed Rocks", 3 miles South of Red Lodge. |
Kayaking
Fast moving current with few eddys rush through a canopy of Cotton Woods, Willows and Pine trees. Just like your best friend's little brother, this creek is just plain fun. For many local boaters, Rock Creek was their introduction to creeking. A great level for the first time intermediate boater begins around 400cfs. At 800cfs and higher Rock Creek becomes a playful run for more experienced creekers. Several boulder pour-overs form at higher water and deserve attention. Appropriately named, as any upside down boater will quickly discover, Rock Creek requires respect and attention. The two best rapids are located on each end of the run. Shortly after the put-in a continuous one mile read and run rapid has been known to thin the ranks of prospective creekers. Near the end a similar rapid bids farewell.
Run Variations
Put in one mile above the Lake Fork confluence for continuous class IV+ / V rapids. This is a narrow non stop 240 ft/mile ride from top to bottom, so scout for wood before putting in. For a bit of 135 ft/mile warm up put in two miles above Lake Fork at Parkside Campground.
Hazards and Scouting
Scouting can generally be done from an eddy, but always keep an eye open for new wood. Beavers also like Rock Creek, and being the little tree chewing rodents that they are, frequently drop new trees.
Side-Take
Red Lodge is a scenic little town with lots of charm and many good hotels, restaurants and shops. For those who prefer camping, numerous area campgrounds exist. This region is known for moose and it is surprising to not spot one or two grazing in a meadow. If you would like a trailhead just outside the tent flap, additional campgrounds exist further up the canyon. If you go to far up the highway you are in for a very scenic drive over the Beartooth Highway. This two hour drive will test your grip on the old steering wheel and take you to Cooke City and the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone Drainage.
Rafting & Fishing
Rafting Rock Creek is really not much of an option. Parts of the run could be ran in a small paddle raft with an experienced crew. This run should be suitable for the very experienced inflatable kayaker with good self rescue skills. Fishing is going to have to be done from the bank on this creek. Fishing on Rock Creek is usually quite good. A typical catch will be an Eastern Brook trout with an occasional Rainbow or Brown Trout.
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Kayaking
The West Fork run description is in progress.
Hazards and Scouting
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Run Variations
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Side-Take
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Rafting & Fishing
Leave the fishing from shore only on this section. The fishing is good for smaller Eastern Brook Trout and an occassional Rainbow or Brown Trout. Rafting the West Fork is not possible or recommended.