The East and West Rosebud Rivers are local creeking favorites. Located high in the Beartooth Mountains above Absarokee, MT, the two Rosebuds offer beautiful high mountain scenery with some of the best creek boating in the area.
| River Facts | |
| Class: | III+ / IV+ |
| Season: | June / July |
| Water Level: | 300cfs - 600cfs |
| Run Length: | 2.5 miles |
| Avg. Gradient: | 165 ft/mile |
| . | |
| Put-In: | Emerald Lake. Follow Hwy 78 three miles south of |
| . | Absarokee, turn west on Hwy 419 toward Fishtail and Nye. Turn south 1 mile west of Fishtail and follow the signs indicating the West Rosebud Road and Mystic Lake. Put in on the east end of Emerald Lake to avoid flat water paddling. |
| Take-Out: | Pine Grove Campground. |
Kayaking
The West Rosebud is a classic western creek run. It is narrow, choked with boulders and has a narrow window of opportunity. However, in terms of pure fun - this is the run to do. Within the 2.5 mile length of the run, six named rapids offer sharp turns and big holes. Below 400 cfs the rapids are broken up by descent size eddies, (2 or 3 boats), and one section of flat water. Above 400cfs expect continuous rapids and beefy hydraulics. When the opportunity to hit an eddy is available, do it for no other reason than to see the beautiful Tiger Lilies that line the creek banks. It is rumored that a creature, half goat and half boy, roams the banks of the West Rosebud. This is according to a local expert boater who mysteriously swam the last rapid after becoming distracted by the antics of the phantom GoatBoy. I too, having taken a swim at GoatBoy, can attest to the mischievous antics of something that is not quite natural.
Run Variations
To considerably increase the length of the run, take-out at the first bridge after turning onto the West Rosebud Road. There is about four or five miles of flat water below the first section before the creek starts dropping again but the wilderness like scenery makes it worthwhile. After leaving the flat water stretch watch for a horizon line as it marks the beginning of a class V drop followed by a rock sieve portage. More flat water follows but then the run ends with a nice class III / III+ paddle out.
Hazards and Scouting
The West Rosebud is not choked with wood but there is enough that it should always be a big concern. Being a narrow creek not much water is required to make it pushy. One of the biggest hazards is low volume water itself. Should you find yourself upside down in flows below 350 cfs, it can be difficult to find enough water to get under your boat to pull off an Eskimo Roll. Scouting is easy so do so.
Side-Take
Family camping, hiking and fishing is in abundance. Hike up to Mystic lake, fish and swim in Emerald or West Rosebud lake, whatever you decide this area is a fantastic weekend getaway from the heat of the lower valleys.
Rafting & Fishing
Rafting the West Rosebud is really not much of an option. Parts of the run could be ran at a higher very pushy level in a small paddle raft with a very experienced crew. This run at lower levels 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 the West Rosebud is usually good. A typical catch will be an Eastern Brook trout with an occasional Rainbow or Brown Trout.
| River Facts | |
| Class: | ??????? |
| Season: | ??????? |
| Water Level: | ????? |
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| Run Length: | ??????? |
| Avg. Gradient: | ???????? |
| . | |
| Put-In: | East Rosebud Lake |
| Take-Out: | ?????????? |
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Kayaking
The Upper, Middle & Acetone Falls sections of the East Rosebud description are 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 upper East Rosebud is not possible or recommended.