Bear Creek (S. Fourche tributary) VIDEO ADDED

[737driver]

Video added http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iACPbh1JT4s" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
It can only be viewed on a pc right now until I get to my computer to change a setting.

Today my son and I floated a short 1.5 mile stretch from Little Bear Lake to the Hollis fire dept. Then hiked back to the truck. It was low of course, but we wanted to paddle and my son wanted instruction on ferrying, peeling in and out, etc. It was a perfect day for that. Although we did drag a few places we never had to get out and pull our boats. There was 2 mandatory portages at this level due to large trees spanning creek wide. It would have caused a pin at this level. What a beautiful creek! The scenery is fantastic! Crystal clear water and actually numerous rapids with only a few small (50 yard long) pools. Even at this level, there were several small surf waves. Lots of rock gardens that could be a blast at higher levels. We saw bald eagles, deer, and bear scat. Tracks from the bear were spotted on the bank from where it was "chilling". The float took 1hr and a half, but that was counting the portages and sight seeing. It can be done much faster, but then you miss the scenery. It's an easy 1 mile hike back up hwy 7 to your vehicle. The float can be much longer when levels are higher, but if your looking for a short, self-shuttle float with lots of scenery then this is a great one. I'll post pics and video later. Thanks Mitch Allen for putting us on this. Also there is a perfect camp spot 20 yards from the put in.

[737driver]

[737driver]

[737driver]

[737driver]

[gma06001-]

Man I'm jealous! Bear Creek is a gem. If it's high it has good whitewater and if it's low it has beautiful smallmouth and longear sunfish! Pretty much the closest stream to me in LR with smallies. Glad you and your son got out to float it. I'll get you directions to the cave by Forked Mountain soon! That hike is one of my favorites in all of Arkansas and hardly anyone goes there. The boyscouts will love it.

[Deuce]

Man I'm jealous! Bear Creek is a gem. If it's high it has good whitewater and if it's low it has beautiful smallmouth and longear sunfish! Pretty much the closest stream to me in LR with smallies. Glad you and your son got out to float it. I'll get you directions to the cave by Forked Mountain soon! That hike is one of my favorites in all of Arkansas and hardly anyone goes there. The boyscouts will love it.

Smallmouth and longear sunfish, good camping spot and close to the rock? I find those criteria extremely compelling.

[cpresoz]

Very nice! It's outings like this that are so memorable. The South Fourche and its tributaries offers so much.

[T Yamashita]

It's a fun creek when you can go further upstream. You'd be better on your toes as there's lots of sticks in the creek.
Best regards, ty