South Platte, North Fork — 03. Buffalo Creek to South Platte

Put in about two miles northeast of Buffalo Creek on 96 Road near Ferndale. This road follows the river for the length of the run. Numerous options for a take out exist downstream below the junction of 96 and 97 Road. A run all the way to South Platte (N. Fk. and S. Fk. confluence) is possible. Be careful in the area of the put in. No Tresspassing signs abound. Find a launch area that is not posted and has parking. Be sure to put in upstream of the boulder garden. It's the nicest rapid on the run (class IVish). Below the 96/97 intersection, the river narrows somewhat and becomes mildly continuous as the gradient begins to increase. Class IV above 600cfs. Typically, runnable flows are only achieved when West slope water is diverted through the Roberts tunnel from Dillon Reservoir. May or may not run during normal (snowmelt) paddling season. Possible off-season potential (January-March, May, August, September-December). The shuttle roads tend to be extremely dusty and rough. Look out for fisherman. This area tends to be very busy, especially on summer weekends. Scenery is excellent, but not wilderness. An excellent technical-intermediate run. Waterton Canyon run is just below the confluence and is also a great intermediate run if you don't mind using your shoulder for a shuttle.