Rowlett Creek in Texas

Trip Overview

We launched out from behind Firewheel Mall in Garland, TX (northeast side of the Dallas Metroplex). From HW 78, we turned down Firewheel parkway. Right after we turned, there was an old road leading to an abandoned bridge. We slid the kayaks down a steep 8 foot drop on the east side of the bridge.

Next, I brought the truck down to Miller Road where there is a parking lot where persons are often fishing. We left the truck there and my wife shuttled me back to the kayaks by firewheel.

We saw one watersnake, some ducks, birds, and 2 armadillos drinking. The snake just crossed the creek in front of us then turned and swam off to the side of us. The water was shallow and we had to carry the kayaks so many times. I wish there was 6 inches more of water in the creek today. There was some rapids, but they were to shallow to be any fun.

We had to carry the kayaks about 20 times or so for short distances over the rocks. The water was clear by the rapids. The closer we got to Miller bridge, we ran into stagnant water that was pretty gross. Getting out at Miller Road was a bit steep and we basically had to stand in 4 feet of nasty water to get he kayaks out. We had a 2 10 foot sit in kayaks and 1 sit on top.

Overall it was easy and relaxing (except for all the kayaks). Make sure you have ropes tied to the ends of the kayaks as it makes getting the kayaks out. I recommend this trip when the water was deeper. It is reported as class 2-3 rapids; however, there wasn't enough water for any of that today. I am not sure what the experience would have been like had there been more water.

Accommodations:

There is only an old road leading to the bridge when launching out. There is also a parking lot by Miller Road where we pulled the boats out.

Fees:

None

Launches:

Miller Road

Resources:

we found the creek from
www.riverfacts.com/states.tx.html

And then we used
USGS 08061540 Rowlett Ck nr Sachse, TX which reported gauge height of 4.0 feet and Daily discharge, cubic feet per second of 18. This is below the average. We are in a drought and there hasn't been enough rain. It had rained a little tiny bit last night and again this morning.