South Branch Bear Creek (Butler County)

Petrolia to Bruin                                               4.0 miles

Class           Grad                    Size (Area/Volume)                  Scene/Pol              Level

     I             37/40                          Tiny (15/)                              C/B                           

                                                               Bruin                                                                     

Topographic Maps: Parker

County Maps: Butler

Description: This short section is not recommended. The stream passes through two refineries. In 1993 company personnel were friendly, but now we suspect there is a serious effort at security. The  creek is tiny and complicated by many low pipes and bridges. Ended up carrying down railroad tracks through last 200 yards of first plant. Below town is woodsy passage. Nothing special. Hilly surroundings. There are riffles and fast flatwater and many strainers, with some nice ledgy rapids at end. Flows by a Superfund site. [Reported 1993]

Difficulties: Low pipes and bridges, some strainers.

Shuttle: Put in at the electrical substation 0.75 miles above Petrolia, along State Route 268 between Karns City and Petrolia. To reach the take‑out, take State Route 268 north into the town of Bruin. Just after the bridge, bear right on Township Road T686 and follow to the bridge. The take‑out is actually Bear Creek.

Gauge: None.

Normal Wet Period: No available statistics on seasons. Since this section is tiny, it should normally be runnable only after a heavy rain or during spring snowmelt.