Kayaking the South Branch of Whitewater Crystal Springs to Beaver August 13th 2022

 20220813 Headed out with my kayaking buddies to explore the last few miles of the South Branch of the Whitewater. It was a cool day and it rained lightly for a while towards the end of the trip. We also had some rain 2 days prior providing some good volume in the river and cloudy water.

Never been on this stretch. The South Branch is not part of the state water trail until it joins the main combined flow of the Whitewater River. I always expect some snags and log jams and that is what we found. This river is relatively shallow with a variety of sand, rock and muck bottom. Some vegetation does grow in the water. Water is cold and refreshing and is clear to a few feet when it hasn't rained for a couple days. Water easily becomes brown and opaque after a rain. 

We dropped in at the snowmobile bridge at the dead end on 112 by the Crystal Springs Fish Hatchery. The water was moving so quickly it was a challenge to take photos while floating without getting twisted around or running into things. Not too many opportunities to just float, attention required. 

There were some snags and submerged branches around a tight corner shortly after crossing under the county 27 bridge, that dumped 2 people. We recovered everything except some pliers. 

The route was otherwise very intimate and offers a natural setting. From the DNR maps it appears the whole route is within the Whitewater Wildlife Management Area. Although we did pass through a pasture with some horses and some fencing over the river. There were some rock bluffs near the water at the beginning and forest and valley views throughout. The vegetation was full grown and lush with wildflowers dotting the banks. 

Snowmobile bridge at the dead end on 112 by the Crystal Springs Fish Hatchery

Livestock fencing across the river 

Danger ahead, branches just below the water. This spot dumped 2 people. 

More downed trees and snags, Tiff will clear the way! 

Fog on the water

Whitewater River conditions near Beaver CSAH30 on 08-13-2022 at 11:00: Raw Level 693.78 ft, Discharge (cfs) 213, water temp 15.11 C. South branch condition data is not available. Data from Interactive Water Trail Map | Minnesota DNR (state.mn.us).