Clarion River in Pennsylvania

Trip Overview

Portland Mills to Gravel Lick

Water Gauge A little above 3 ft


Put in at 6 on Fri. took out at gravel lick at 4:30 on sun.

Friday we took out after the x rapid at dark. We put in early on Sat. and took out at Millstone creek to camp at about 6 I am guessing. Put in early again and took out at Gravel lick at 4:30. We stopped along the way for lunch and to mess around. We were also fishing for a good portion of the time. We stopped on and island between cooksburg and gravel lick Seemed like a good spot to camp. Also there was a good site after the Z rapid.

We caught a bunch of fish. Brook, brown, and rainbow trout and a bunch of smallies. All the trout were at least 10 inches and one of the browns was a monster. We chases a bald eagle through the upper portions of the creek. Also, saw lots of ducks, heron, and osprey.

Did not have any trouble capsizing our 4 loaded canoes, saw a couple kayaks flip in some rapids between Irwin and heath station. All in all it was an awesome experience and will be looking to do this stretch again.

Accommodations:

Tons of camping along the river, pretty much wherever you get out and look. So no need to make a fire ring or anything.

Outfitting:

Two aluminum canoes, one plastic, and one fiberglass. All got along fine with water levels slightly above 3 ft

Fees:

No

Directions:

Put in at Portland mills on SR- 949. Took out at the gravel lick bridge, gravel lick road is off of Miola Rd. by SR- 36.

Resources:

The Clarion River Water Trail Map- look at the Fish and Boating Website