I-35 Bridges

The I-35 Bridges put-in on Little Walnut Creek provides access to a whitewater paddling section in Austin. This is a small creek system with an average gradient of 9.3 feet per mile, which creates moderate current and moving water conditions suitable for kayakers and canoeists seeking a more technical paddling experience. With an average flow of about 25 cubic feet per second and velocity of 1.04 feet per second, water levels and paddling difficulty will vary seasonally, with higher flows during wet periods providing better paddling conditions.

Little Walnut Creek is a relatively short headwater stream spanning 19.42 miles total, with the I-35 Bridges location positioned in the upper watershed section. The creek features a 180-foot total elevation drop across its length, contributing to the moderate gradient. Paddlers should be aware that conditions can change based on recent rainfall and upstream water releases. The creek's stream order of 3 indicates it is a true creek system with established flow patterns.

This put-in serves the Austin area paddling community as a whitewater access point. Water conditions here are characterized by moving current rather than calm water, making it more suitable for paddlers with some experience reading whitewater and maneuvering in moving water. Seasonal variation in flow is typical for central Texas creeks, so paddlers should check current conditions before launching.