TR: Big Sands Creek, Idaho

**RootSkier** · 06-17-2007, 11:36 PM

Scary. Hard. Remote. That pretty much sums up what Big Sands Creek is all about.

A high elevation tributary to the legendary Lochsa, the day starts with a long drive in on a slow going, narrow road. I was excited to do this run because it shares a divide with creeks that come down the east side of the Bitterroots right near my house. As the crow flies, the put in is probably only 15 miles from where I am sitting right now.

After the shuttle, the mission begins with a 4 mile hike. It starts innocently enough.

But soon, it turns into a rather desperate thrash through countless blown down trees.

After sweating it out for a couple hours, we arrived at the put in. The calm water here gives no indication of what awaits just downstream. At this point, Ira was claiming it was the lowest he'd ever done it.

I had kind of an epic day. I swam in the first drop, ran some bad lines soon afterwards, and ended up portaging a lot. In fact, everyone portaged quite a bit because by the second rapid, Ira decided it was in fact the HIGHEST he had ever run it. Of our group of 7, only two had done the run before, and one of those had run it 8 years ago....so tension was a little on the high side.

There is no way out but downstream. After a few warmup boulder gardens and a ten foot waterfall, the first of the really tough, threatening drops appeared.

Portaging the gnar. Pushy, technical, extremely complex....with a sieve ending. This photo utterly fails to capture the steepness.

Tyler coasting towards a sweet boof.

James finishing it.

Ira on the first drop of a rapid I found truly disgusting.

And going for the rock slide to pin combo...he was fine.

Resurfacing after the biggest hole of the day.

Tyler ponders the immensity of the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness and impossibilty of escape. Did I mention it was about 45 degrees and lightly raining all day?

Afterwards, I did my duty to appease the river gods with a bootie (actually ripped the sole of my booty yesterday, so I was paddling in some running shoes, thank god.

Parting shot.

**mtcham** · 06-17-2007, 11:58 PM

Originally Posted by RootSkier

Scary. Hard. Remote. That pretty much sums up what Big Sands Creek is all about.

I was breathing hard after the second picture. A 4 mile hike thru blowdowns carrying a creek boat.

Awesome shots!!!
I bet you remember that run for a long time.

**Conundrum** · 06-18-2007, 08:16 AM

You guys still have runoff?

I've heard that creek is burley.

**chrismo720** · 06-18-2007, 09:36 AM

Sweet man.Nice TR.

**RootSkier** · 06-18-2007, 09:39 AM

Originally Posted by Conundrum

You guys still have runoff?

I've heard that creek is burley.

Yes, but it's going fast.

Burly with a capital 'B'.

**Yonder_River** · 06-18-2007, 10:06 AM

Whatup sieves.

It's amazing how much mentally harder it becomes to run the shit when your a waaays from the road. Nice work.

I forget, does Big Sands flow by Jerry Johnson?
Been on Cow Creek?

**RootSkier** · 06-18-2007, 10:19 AM

Originally Posted by Yonder_River

I forget, does Big Sands flow by Jerry Johnson?
Been on Cow Creek?

Big Sands is a tributary of White Sands, which forms the Lochsa at Powell when it meets the Crooked Fork (which runs along the highway below Lolo Pass).

Warm Springs is the Jerry Johnson Creek.

Cow...nope, scouted it when we have been up at Smith and the Pack, though. Some big drops in there.

**Gerome** · 06-19-2007, 03:59 PM

Portaging the gnar. Pushy, technical, extremely complex....with a sieve ending. This photo utterly fails to capture the steepness.

Wussssss..............

Bwak bwak bwakkk........... what, can't run the gnarrrrrrrrr, that line looks mellow

**RootSkier** · 04-08-2008, 06:21 PM

goddam i want some water

**mtcham** · 04-09-2008, 11:37 PM

This is one great TR!

**Flaskman** · 04-10-2008, 10:29 AM

RootKook...you're a badass living in gods country...

**RootSkier** · 04-10-2008, 11:58 AM

I'm a pussy who paddles with badasses.

**skibuminwyo** · 04-10-2008, 12:52 PM

Cool shit root. I'm thinking of trying to find a job in Missoula for the summer, then go to school up there this winter. If it happens, even if it doesn't we may have to get some paddle time in together.

**Lost in AK** · 04-10-2008, 03:10 PM

Root, when the water starts flowing you got any missions you're looking at? a return trip perhaps? I'd love to catch up with some more montana paddlers, all my buddies moved away.

and sick TR

**RootSkier** · 04-10-2008, 03:29 PM

We'll be boating constantly starting this weekend, so sure (although work may be rearing its ugly head on Saturday). Lolo Creek and maybe a scrape down the Lochsa...then all the regulars, Golden Canyon, Bear Creek, Kootenai Creek, etc will be running soon.

I am sure there will also be Big Timber, Smith Creek, and Big Sands missions when the flows are right.

Pretty much you can just drive out to the Wilderness Gateway any friday night during the season and find the Missoula people with creekboats, there is almost always someone going to Golden Canyon or Lolo...or at least upper Fish.

jesse