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RiverBrain

Utah – US

Class
III-
Length
1.6 Mile(s)
Gradient
40 FPM
Put-in elevation
4,985 Feet
Take-out elevation
4,925 Feet
Typical season
January to January

Current Flow

321 CFS

Gauge height: 3.62 FT

Reading from Jul 10, 2026 10:15 PM

-0.25/hr (12h) -0.13/hr (24h)

Running

Hit some laps

Primary gauge
SPANISH FORK AT CASTILLA, UT Gauge detail & alternatives Live gauge ↗

Recommended levels

Minimum160
Average400
Maximum800

Recommended use

  • Kayaking
  • Rafting
  • Canoeing
  • SUP
  • Packrafting
  • Fishing

Struck-through craft are not recommended for this run.

Flow history — last 6 days

Photos

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Description

Ah, the Mighty Spanish Fork! Don't let the nickname fool you, this run is suitable for beginners at lower flows and a good step up for intermediates at higher flows. This section of the Spanish Fork flows near Rt 6, which is partially visible during most of the run. The put-in is actually on the Diamond Fork just above the confluence of the Diamond and Spanish Fork rivers. After choosing which put in option to take, and there are a few, the river meanders for a mile or so before turning sharply right and entering a narrow gorge. There are three distinct rapids in this section followed by a strong eddy play spot then a short paddle to the take out. Note- This run is easy to do with only one vehicle. Drive to the put in, hide your boat and gear inside the dry tunnel furthest river left then go park at the take out and walk up following the railroad track or the dirt road. Paddle times low flow- approx 30 minutes. Medium to high flow- 12-15 minutes. Here is a link to the Spanish Fork River Park. Good camping and picnicing can be had right next to the river. http://www.utahcountyonline.org/Dept/PubWrks/Parks/ParkDetails.asp?IDNO=7 The famed "Johnnie A Eddyline" is just a few feet from the western most camping/picnicing site- about 200 yards from the bridge (on foot) where you park for the put in. In the winter months, when there is snow on the ground, try your hand at kayak sledding on the big hills near the upper put in. 

Rapids

# Rapid Class Recommended flow Description Scout
1 Brent's, Slide one II+ —–— Top section of a three part slide. River narrows and horizon line is visible. Small drop leading into 100 yard section of easy bumpy stuff at low flow. At high flow a small hole forms at the drop and a fun wavetrain forms for the length of the slide.
2 Brent's Slide two III- —–— Slide one leads directly into the larger drop of this slightly steaper and narrower section. At high water, two holes form at the drop (non retentive) and larger wave trains form. This is where the fun is at higher flows. Watch for rock on river right about 3/4 the way down.
3 The Runout II+ —–— At low water, this section is bump and grind with the best line going left to right. The river basically gets wider and shallower in this section. At very low water a rock garden forms. At medium to high flows, the river splits into two for a very short distance, both ways are passable but far left has more meat.
4 Bottom Play Eddyline II —–— Good spot to play just downstream of The runout. A fun pillow forms on the top of this river right rock with a strong eddyline below.

Access

Type Name Elevation Camping Water Boat ramp Vehicle access Description
Put-In Put-in 4,985 Feet No No No All Vehicles

40 1' 38" N 111 30' 14" W Put in near the Spanish Fork River Park, that is located at the confluence of the Spanish Fork and Diamond Fork rivers. Take the right turn off Rt6 then turn right at the bottom of the hill. You will see campgrounds to the left and a bridge to the right. Park near this bridge. You can put in just upstream of the bridge, just downstream of the four tunnels or you can walk through the right-most tunnel to get to the upstream put in area. In this upstream area, you can either put in at water level or seal launch from a 6' bank river left. When launching upstream, depending on flow, you'll have three or less options for picking which tunnel to paddle through. Far river right gives you a small 3' drop at the entrance and a tame exit. Middle tunnel gives you a tame entry and a 2' drop exit. The third tunnel normally requires a slightly technical entry due to wood on the right and a large rock on the left after the wood. The exit is a three foot drop that has a subledge. Fun boofing but watch out for a nasty piece of fish ladder to the left of center, boof right! Scout the exits to the tunnel for wood prior and boat scout the tunnels from above to ensure they are clear all the way through. To lengthen the run, you can follow the road left instead of turning right toward the bridge. This will lead you along the Spanish Fork to the "three pipes". Put in a bit below the pipes. This adds a good bit of river time but there isn't much to talk about along the way to the normal put-in. Scouting the three pipes, with the intent to find a way through them, I found the river left pipe to lead directly into a serious pinning situation with large rocks and timber looking you in the face upon exiting the pipe. The pipe river right looks the most passable, but would suggest not attempting.

Take-Out Take-out 4,925 Feet No No No All Vehicles

40 2' 0" N 111 31' 12" W The take out is at the dirt road that turns south from Rt 6, about two miles west of the Spanish River Park exit. I believe there is a mile marker (183) about 100 feet prior to the dirt road. Park on the dirt road parallel to the large suspended Green Pipe structure that crosses the river. At low flows, the eddy above the pipe is large and easy to catch. At high water, its much more difficult and is large enough for maybe two boats at a time. If you miss this eddy, take out around the corner of the railroad bridge. After exiting the water, you'll be faced with an interesting climb up a 15' wall of large rocks. Work left to right (looking up) and you'll see the easy route. Older and very young boaters might need a little hand getting up it with all their equipment.

Camps

No river camps added yet.

Permit

No permit is required, or permit info hasn't been added yet.

Fishing

The following fish species are often found on this run.

Brown Trout

Brown Trout have a yellowish belly, with black and red spots on the sides. This fish is a fresh, coldwater fish and is found all over.

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