01. Idledale to Morrison

Bear Creek is an intermittent stream with the roadside qualities of being fast-paced and definitely impacted by a number of concrete structures, diversions and wood. Bear Creek contains Colorado-style class IV/V with plenty of small waterfalls packing unique power and hydrology. Being near Denver, expect urban stormwater while the willow, tamarisk, and russian olive whip you into the next rapid. Bear Creek is a very small streambed, so expect facial combat with overhanging vegetation. Some stretches are notorious for it's sticky hydraulics at high water. Bear Creek is rowdy over 500 cfs . When visual inspection causes lots of questioning you are at a sikbird level @ +/- 600 cfs. Bear Creek flows through JeffCO parks and has a number of good hikes to explore local geological features. Flooding in September 2013 resulted in significant changes to many Colorado rivers. Streambed alterations and woody debris are common. These structures may cause significant and instant streambed alteration causing WTF moments. (WTF: Welcome to Frontrange... ) There are frequently lumber piles and strainers on Bear Creek. \*\* Now watch out for that low bridge!! This run and many other Colorado Streams and Rivers are all surrounded by competing water providers and urban straws. Please help American Whitewater to provide you better access to Bear Creek by donating $100 to American Whitewater and becoming an annual member. Thank you for supporting American Whitewater. May Colorado's amazing natural resources only get more protections and accessibility.