Lower (Bottom Four)
Colorado – US
- Class
- V to V+
- Length
- 1 Mile(s)
- Put-in elevation
- 9,685 Feet
- Take-out elevation
- 9,271 Feet
- Typical season
- April to June
Current Flow
39 CFS
Gauge height: 2.23 FT
Reading from Jul 10, 2026 9:30 PM
▼ -0.17/hr (12h) ▼ -0.08/hr (24h)
Don't bother
- Primary gauge
- LAKE CREEK ABOVE TWIN LAKES RESERVOIR Gauge detail & alternatives Live gauge ↗
Recommended levels
| Minimum | 150 |
| Average | 400 |
| Maximum | 700 |
Recommended use
- Kayaking
- Rafting
- Canoeing
- SUP
- Packrafting
- Fishing
Struck-through craft are not recommended for this run.
Flow history — last 6 days
No gauge history recorded in the last 6 days.
Photos
No photos added for this run yet.
Description
This short section of Lake Creek flows through a mini gorge that contain 4 class V drops. This is dangerous kayaking and if you attempt it you should be an expert. Always scout thoroughly checking for wood and other hazards as conditions change often here.
Rapids
| # | Rapid | Class | Recommended flow | Description | Scout |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cauldron | V to V+ | 150–700 | This drop has been termed one of the best rapids/drops in Colorado. The river narrows to around 6 to 8 feet and drops. Always scout for wood and hazards at all flows. |
Mandatory scout from Highway 82 |
| 2 | Paralyzer | V to V+ | 150–700 | Paralyzer is a very long unforgiving casacade and drop. Consider portaging this unless you are a mega expert kayaker or conditions look just right. Remember that just below Paralyzer is the Kiss Me rapid and you probably don't want to swim either of these. |
Scout above the drop on river left. Decide whether to portage or not form here. |
| 3 | Kiss the Wall | V to V+ | 150–700 | This rapid tends to push the boater onto the wall. Lot's of mishaps have happened here. This is another don't swim area. You can portage around this on river left by the house but as landowners change or change their mind on paddler access you need to be respectful here on this private property. |
Scout river left. |
| 4 | The Brain | V to V+ | 150–700 | This is a boiling double drop of water that resembles the squirliness of a brain. Always scout and determine if dropping this is to hairy or not. Expert boating here only. |
Scout from either bank above the rapid |
Access
| Type | Name | Elevation | Camping | Water | Boat ramp | Vehicle access | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Put-In | HWY 82 Pull Off | 9,685 Feet | No | No | No | All Vehicles | Just above the brain is a small pull off that can be used to put on for the bottom 4 drops on Lake Creek |
| Take-Out | Willis Creek Picnic Area | 9,271 Feet | No | No | No | All Vehicles | This is just off Highway 82 above Twin Lakes. The Cauldron is just up stream from here. |
Camps
No river camps added yet.
Permit
No permit is required, or permit info hasn't been added yet.
Fishing
No fish species have been associated with this run yet.
External Links & Resources
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Community Run Notes
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