Oak Ridge State Wildlife Area

Oak Ridge State Wildlife Area provides boat access to Big Beaver Creek, a medium-sized river in the Meeker area of Rio Blanco County. Big Beaver Creek is a 22-mile stream with a moderate gradient of 8.6 feet per mile, flowing through elevated terrain with a total drop of 191 feet. The creek maintains an average flow of about 72 cubic feet per second with a velocity of 1.39 feet per second, suggesting moderate current conditions suitable for paddling activities.

This access point is located near the headwaters region of the drainage system, with the creek's mouth located approximately 1,643 miles downstream. The stream's classification as a medium river (Stream Order 5) with a 70-square-mile drainage area indicates reliable water flow throughout most of the year. Paddlers should expect moving water conditions typical of this stream type, with potential for varying water levels depending on seasonal runoff and weather patterns.

As part of a state wildlife area, this site likely offers natural surroundings suitable for boating and wildlife observation. The elevation ranges from about 537 to 728 feet above sea level across the creek's length, providing scenic mountain valley terrain characteristic of northwestern Colorado.