July 1, 2008
Springdale Wave; Yellowstone River; Montana (III?)
Thanks to Ryan for the video and Conor for the still shots. The light was a little tough for video that afternoon, so some of the slides are a little blurry, but all in all, some great footage of one of the best waves in Montana with a bonus of clip of Big Timber Creek.
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Springdale wave is definitely one of the best surf waves in the state of Montana. Located on the lower Yellowstone River, this one only comes in at peak flows and is optimal at 17,000 cfs and above. At the best flows (above 20,000 cfs), Springdale forms two waves side by side that are the biggest, gentlest play features you can imagine. There is no eddy service, but these big boys are most definitely worth multiple hikes back up river. Springdale can easily captivate you for an entire day or it can be combined with some of the other incredible paddling in the lower Yellowstone watershed.
Springdale logistics: Class III (I guess - hard to rate play waves). It's located off of I-90 at the town of Springdale between Livingston and Big Timber. Exit off of I-90 and make your way toward the river on the frontage-type road. Just before you cross the tracks, take a right on the dirt road and follow it down and across the tracks until you get to what has been an impassable mud puddle/lake this year (lots of moisture during the 2008 season). Suit up and float down to the wave (under a mile). Surf 'til you can't move and then hike back on the road to your rig.
Sparky!!! A little update on the Yellowstone as of 7-15-08. Springdale is now gone but right now Four Banger in Big Timber is in... I went with a buddy on Sunday and the third wave had killer action to it. I talked to a guy who has been surfing there for a long time and he said it is as good as he's ever seen it. Down stream from it is the mellower but nicely eddy served Greycliff Wave... which we sessioned until blue in the face. PBRs in the sun... easy like Sunday morning!!!
Anyway.. the upper yellowstone gauge is below 10,000 cfs... which means Creighton's Hole will be in any day. Along with Boateater its probably the best play hole on the Yellowstone...and its best flows are between 6500 and 9000 cfs.
One last Yelly update... word on the street is the speak easy Brodeo is going down this weekend at Mrs. Bubbles... the epic fluffball surfspot downstream from Springdale. For those who haven't heard of it- its an informal rodeo judged by boos and cheers. Party tents, umbrellas, beach chairs and bbq goods are the sights you will see while hiking your boat for "just one more ride". R2D2 will be there... always one of the toughest judges.
Thats about it... the water has turned from brown to green and the shorty dry tops are now the call... we all know how short summer in MT is so get it while its good.
Surf's up!
CM Darbs
Thanks for the update, probey one! I'd love to make it down for some upper Yelly action sometime soon, but unfortunately can't swing the Brodeo this year (i'll be with you in spirit - tear it up!).
On another note, a N.F. Payette trip is in the makin' and i'll definitely keep you posted as plans solidify. Probably around the first weekend in August - time to put the game face on!
Brian, aka sparky
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I think I will leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Thank soo much! I went to the main Springdale dock looking for this wave and couldn’t find it! Can’t wait to surf it!!
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