Having established that Missouri does have whitewater and the various classifications, the next question is: Where do I find it?
Missouri waterways in the forms of rivers and creeks lay claim to Class 1, 2, 3, and 45 rapids.
For the beginner looking for a gentle place to practice, try the Meramac or Huzzah River or Courtois Creek. All three are considered Class 1 rapids and are great for beginners with only a few riffles, fewer obstacles, and gently flowing water. Once you’ve mastered the basic paddle strokes and have a feeling for the maneuverability of the kayak, raft or canoe, a paddler can move up the difficulty scale in order to find more challenges.
A few notable resources for locating rivers and/or creeks, and sections of particular waterways that contain whitewater are the American Whitewater website, the Riverfacts website, A Canoeing and Kayaking Guide to the Ozarks by Tom Kennon or A Paddler’s Guide to Missouri by the Missouri Department of Conservation. Always keep in mind that rivers and creeks can change drastically in a short period of time due to extra rain or ice melt. If what the guide says and what you see don’t match, don’t take the risk. Also check the dates for the latest whitewater reports. Outdated information will do you no good.
Class 1 rapids are abundant. Some sites are Sinking Creek, Swan Creek, the North Fork of White River or the Eleven Point River. Some rivers contain a variety of rapids ranging in classification from 1 to 3, others may be rated as 2 and 3 or 4.
Class 2 rapids in Missouri have been found at Big Creek at the Sam A. Baker State Park. Another location for Class 2 whitewater is the East Fork of the Black River near Johnson Shut-Ins. The St. Francis River can take you from Class 1 all the way through to Class 3 whitewater near the Highway H and/or Highway 72 bridges. Roaring Rivers State Park at Eagle Rock Village has both Class 1 and 2 rapids.
Class 3 whitewater can be found near Ironton at the Upper Stouts Creek. Another locale is Pickle Creek at the Hawn State Park picnic area. A short Class 3 whitewater run is a Castor River Shut-Ins at the Amidon Memorial Conservation Area. Castor Shut-Ins feature four main drops called; Crack in the Rock, C-Turn, Throat, and Rooster Tail.
Missouri does have Class 4 whitewater, but it’s more difficult to find and the suggested locations tend to be problematic. Mud Creek is a good example of Class 4 whitewater, but the water quality itself is extremely poor due to its watershed being a pig farm. The majority of the listed Class 4 sites require trespassing in order to put in or take out and cannot be recommended for legal reasons. Others are only considered Class 4 during twenty-four hour periods following a heavy rain.
Little Tom Sauk Creek at Tom Sauk Mountain may be the most challenging run in Missouri. This seven mile strip is categorized as Class 4 or 5 rapids by American Whitewater. It’s designation from a Class 4 to a Class 5 is dependent on the amount of rain in the area.
Whichever class of whitewater you decide to run, safety always comes first. Make sure to have, wear, and use all recommended safety equipment. Make sure someone knows of your plans and itinerary because it’s only fun until someone gets hurt.