Kayaking Flooded Bear Creek Lake

Article By Burt Revell

Hi Shorty,

We took the kayaks to Bear Creek Lake on the west side of Denver in the foothills. The water level due to some heavy rains got up to 40 feet above normal. You can see in the photo that it has receded about ten feet by the dead trees but it is still flooded and it opens up some areas to explore that may never be accessible again. I couldn't find the regular boat launch area or even see the tops of the picnic shelters or bathrooms. They are still covered by at least ten feet of water. We tried paddling up the stream you can normally walk across but it is now a raging river and the current is too strong to fight.

Burt

Update:
Hi Shorty

Tonight we paddled Chatfield Reservoir which is still 12 feet above flood stage. The hiking trails are now paddling trails. It is like being in a Louisiana bayou.

Burt