Wildcat Creek Canoe Guide - North Fork - Mis-so-la to Wildcat Park


	Wildcat Creek, North Fork: Mis-so-la to Wildcat Park
			elapsed time
1	Put in at the Mis-so-la public access site. (GPS: 40.2666, -86.4575)		0:00
2	The end of the triple-drop rapids.		0:45
3	The takeout at Wildcat Park on the right at the confluence of the north and south forks. (GPS: 40.2628, -86.4826)		1:30
Trip Report Water level at 4.5 feet and 860 cubic feet per second per the Lafayette USGS gage on Wildcat Creek. It doesn't get any better than a sunny afternoon in late October on Wildcat Creek with the autumn colors and plenty of water to paddle! This 4-mile trip takes about an hour and a half. There is room to park about fifteen cars at Mis-so-la. The trail to the water is short and well-maintained. This is a beautiful section of the creek with very little development and a good variety of paddling. About halfway into the trip you'll reach the triple-drop rapids. The last drop is probably the biggest on the creek and really gets moving. It's not whitewater but it can be a thrill, especially when the water level is higher than five feet. Past the triple-drop, I paddled underneath a turkey vulture roost with about thirty large, scary-looking birds. Very cool. As you near the takeout, you'll see Eisenhower Road on the right. The creek turns away from the road and merges with the south fork on your left. Immediately to your right, you'll see a large sandy beach that is the takeout at Wildcat Park. There's a clearly marked trail and steps up to the parking lot. Trip reported by Michael Witt on 10/19/03.
Photo Gallery
	The entrance to the Mis-so-la public access site.
	The trailhead at Mis-so-la.
	First-timers must honor the tradition and put their heads into the tree-hole at Mis-so-la. If you are worthy of the river, nothing will tear it off.
	Some riffles between Mis-so-la and Wildcat Park.
	Turkey-vultures roosting in the trees.
	Autumn on the Wildcat.
Access Sites
	Mis-so-la Access Site: From I-65, take Exit 175 and proceed north on State Route 25; turn right on CR 300 N; turn right on CR 725 E before East Tipp Middle School. The access site is on your right immediately after the bridge. Mis-so-la is operated by The WildCat Creek Foundation.
	Wildcat Park: From Mis-so-la, turn left on CR 725 E; turn left on CR 300 N; turn left on CR 600 E, which turns into Eisenhower Road; the road will begin following the creek, and you'll see the park entrance on your left. Wildcat Park was founded by The Wildcat Creek Foundation and is operated by the Tippecanoe County Department of Parks and Recreation.

Copyright 2003, 2004 Michael Witt