Put In

Put In on Bear Creek is a whitewater access point located in Garrett County, Maryland, serving as an entry point for paddlers into this medium-sized river system. Bear Creek is a headwater stream with significant gradient, dropping 1,343 feet over its 21.52-mile length, which creates an average slope of 62.4 feet per mile. This steep gradient and the stream's classification as a Stream Order 5 river indicate fast-moving water with dynamic flow characteristics typical of mountain streams in the Appalachian region.

The creek's drainage area of 89 square miles generates an average flow of 8.39 cubic feet per second with an average velocity of 1.23 feet per second, though these figures can vary significantly with seasonal precipitation and snowmelt. Paddlers should be prepared for whitewater conditions and should assess current water levels before launching. The elevation at this access point is approximately 930 meters above sea level, with the water body ranging from this elevation up to 1,340 meters at its headwaters.

This put-in location provides access to a section of Bear Creek suitable for experienced paddlers comfortable with whitewater paddling. Boaters should be familiar with reading fast current, maneuvering through rapids, and identifying potential hazards associated with steep mountain streams. Water conditions can change rapidly with weather, so checking recent flow data and local conditions is essential before any trip.