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Whitewood Creek at Deadwood is a whitewater put-in location for paddlers looking to access a medium-sized river system in the Black Hills region of South Dakota. The creek originates in the higher elevations of the area and descends significantly, with an average gradient of 71.4 feet per mile and a total elevation drop of 3355 feet over its 47-mile length. With an average flow of 34.59 cubic feet per second and moderate velocity of 1.53 feet per second, this is a stream suited for paddlers with whitewater experience.
As a Stream Order 5 waterway with headwater characteristics, Whitewood Creek drains a substantial 4549 square mile watershed and maintains consistent flow patterns typical of mountain-fed streams in the region. The site serves as a convenient access point in Deadwood, a historic mining town in Lawrence County, making it accessible for day trips and longer paddling adventures. Paddlers should be prepared for current and potentially rocky sections common to streams with this gradient and character.