BELT CREEK (crik) May 15-16
How many time have you been driving down the highway and seen the small roadside creeks and thought, "Man, that sure would be fun if there was a lot of water flowing through there." Well, Belt Creek IS that roadside run, and right now, it HAS lots of water surging between the narrow banks. Last Thursday and Friday I had the opportunity to hop on a 6 mile section of Belt Creek and enjoy some nice Class II boogie water.
Thursday found me by myself enjoying the "crik" at a low, but constant flow, and with overcast skies the day was a bit chilly. Snow still sits deep in the Little Belt Mountains--in fact Chris Laetham told me that they had 8-10" last Monday at Showdown Ski Hill ("Hey George, Open the Chairs!"), and pockets of ice are still tucked away in those shaded spots along the creek. Despite the chill factor I had a great day of paddling and looked forward to a repeat on Friday. I'm no expert on calculating cfs, but if I had to guess I'd put the flow around 200-220.
Friday morning I awoke to sun-filled skies and soaring temps. The creek had come up by at least 20% by noon and continued to rise. As I was driving up the road headed for a short hike, I noticed a couple of kayakers in the creek so I whipped the Suburban over and low and behold it was Chris L. and his dad John who had flown in from Michigan. This came as a surprise because the two of them were suppose to be headed to the Middle Fork of the Salmon on a rafting/kayaking trip (the MF was flowing at very high levels causing their permit holder to cancel the trip :(
Despite the cancellation John and Chris looked to be in great spirits and enjoying themselves on the upper part of the creek. In addition, Chris had brought his saw to get busy on a few strainers that blocked the channel--paddling with a purpose! I asked if they would mind if I hooked up with them a little later, and they cordially obliged. After my quick hike to Memorial Falls I was geared up and ready to go, and ended meeting Chris and John at almost the exact place I put in on Thursday. Friday's increased flow was fantastic. The waves were a little bigger, the holes a little "punchier", and just a better overall feel to the creek--plus, I had Chris and John there to talk to--and if anyone knows me, rarely am I at a loss for words. The day proved to be a jewel--80+ degrees, sunny, great flow, and great company. Belt Creek is a great Class II-III constant flow "crik" that sets roadside almost all the way, and is another one of those perfect early season Montana runs.
If you head down that way keep a couple of things in mind:
1. There are a few very low wire fences that you will need to lay on the back of your boat to go
under. As well as at least one bridge that requires the same move.
2. There are strainers throughout the run, although most are easily recognized and avoidable.
3. Private property encompasses virtually all the land on both sides of the creek.
4. Even if you have a bomb proof roll, rely on your bomb proof brace as flipping, even at high
water, is going to lead to some good noggin bangin'.
Have Fun! Be Safe!
