Data Disclaimer: Water level data is provided by USGS and NOAA for informational purposes only. Verify conditions on-site before any water activities.
Learn more
FM 685 is a whitewater take-out access point on Brushy Creek near Hutto in Williamson County, Texas. This location serves as an exit point for paddlers completing runs on Brushy Creek, a substantial waterway classified as a large river with a stream order of 6. The creek features a notable average gradient of 13 feet per mile with an elevation drop of 590 feet across its 45-mile length, creating whitewater conditions suitable for intermediate to advanced paddlers.
Brushy Creek drains a watershed of approximately 1,241 square miles and maintains an average flow of about 99 cubic feet per second with an average velocity of 1.63 feet per second. These flow characteristics, combined with the creek's gradient, indicate consistent current and potential rapids throughout the system. The take-out location at FM 685 provides access for boaters finishing their descent and is positioned in the lower portions of the creek system, approximately 450 miles from the confluence with the Colorado River.
Paddlers planning trips on Brushy Creek should be prepared for moving water with variable conditions depending on recent rainfall and seasonal flow patterns. The whitewater designation and gradient profile suggest this creek is best suited for those with intermediate to advanced paddling skills. Standard safety equipment and knowledge of river conditions are essential for boaters using this access point.