Christmas Day on Spring Creek
Dec. 25 2020
by Natalie Wiest

What better way to celebrate Christmas Day than a paddling trip?  Frank Ohrt had suggested Buffalo Bayou as a good possibility for December 25, 2019.  However, potential low water had the Santa celebrants looking for a better location.  Spring Creek was recommended, and off we set, 5 of us from Houston Canoe Club on a balmy Christmas day.

We met under the I-69/Hwy 59 bridge near Humble. Terry and Harmon scouted it the day before and found an agreeable put-in quite close to the water, but a tight squeeze between railing and bridge pier at the paved road.  From I-69/Hwy 59, northbound, exit at Hamblen Road, right turn on Hamblen then right again to follow the feeder under Hwy 59.  Here is the photo of the squeeze through, which one follows (slowly!) down close to the river.  It looks wider than it is, barely enough for a pickup (and not a dualey) to get through.

Thank you Terry for the photo.  

This access puts you on the north bank of the San Jacinto.  From here, paddle upstream (to the right) until you meet the confluence of the West Fork of the San Jacinto River, and Spring Creek.  Go left into Spring Creek.

There was no discernible flow in either the river or the creek; the sun was shining brightly with temps in the 60s to 70s, and virtually no wind.  Perfect paddling conditions for going upstream!

The pictures do the talking:

Terry heading upstream.

Our trip coordinator Santa Frank and forward paddle power Liz.





Your correspondent in seasonal attire.



The Spring Creek Greenway Trail parallels the creek and goes for many miles.  The sign designates it also as an equestrian trail.

Santas Frank and Harmon warming up to a stunning rendition of “I’m dreaming of a White Christmas” which you can experience for yourselves on the HCC Facebook site, here.


 
And here is the whole herd of happy revelers.





The sign says “all traffic must exit” so clearly this must be the takeout.



It was a beautiful day on the river.  For reference, the gauge (USGS 08069500) was reading 250 cfs or 41.30 feet for the day.  Some of the upriver sections of Spring Creek were getting a little shallow but all was passable.  I hope you were having an equally merry day.

Cheers,
Natalie Wiest

---

The author, Natalie Wiest