Upper Birch Creek Wayside

The feel

The wayside is unimproved access to Birch Creek for launching nonmotorized craft. A 0.2-mile gravel road leads down from the Steese Highway to a lot with an outhouse, an information kiosk and long-term parking. A short foot trail runs from the parking lot down to the river.

Most floaters put in here, and the trip runs over 110 river miles to the Lower Birch Creek Wayside, about 12 miles past Central.

What to expect

Water and access

Unimproved access at MP 94.1 of the Steese Highway. A 0.2-mile gravel road leads to the wayside, then a short foot trail runs from the parking lot to the river.

Methods and gear

Nonmotorized craft only.

License and rules

No fee for personal recreation use. Commercial guides need a BLM Special Recreation Permit.

Crowds and best time

Most floaters put in here. Water level matters: a stage under 1.0 feet is very low flow and hard floating, especially for rafts, and 2 feet is moderate flow.

Parking

Long-term parking at the wayside.

Hazards

Low water makes floating difficult.

Bathrooms and water

An outhouse is at the wayside.

Mingo says

Read the stream gauge near the put-in before you drive out. Rafts struggle when the creek runs very low.

Before you go

• Look up gauge station BCTA2 for the current water stage.
• Arrange a shuttle to the Lower Birch Creek Wayside, about 12 miles past Central.
• Guides running commercial trips need a BLM Special Recreation Permit.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.