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South Dakota
South Fork Bad River
We don't cover this water yet
No agency boundary, access route or field report is mapped to it — so there is no verdict, and we won't guess. We'll tell you the moment this water has something to say.
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Why you'll love it
River facts
- Water
- Seasonal — can run dry
- Average flow
- 42 cfs
- Average current
- 1.2 ft/s
- Gradient
- 6.2 ft/mi
- Drainage area
- 482 sq mi
Long-term averages modeled by USGS (NHDPlus HR), not today's conditions. Check a gauge before you go.
Here's your day on the water, mapped
South Fork Bad River
AI-suggested draft · review before you go
Photos
Directions & GPX
Permits & access
No permit or access details on file for this water — check with the local land manager before you go.
About this water
South Fork Bad River is a 36-mile paddling stretch near Philip, South Dakota. It is intermittent and may run dry in some seasons. USGS models an average flow of about 42 cfs and a gradient of about 6.2 feet per mile.
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Keep exploring — more water worth the drive
Sage Creek
~53 min drive
Sage Creek is a 39-mile paddling stretch near Scenic, South Dakota. It is intermittent and may run dry in some seasons. USGS models an average flow of about 494 cfs and a gradient of about 11.6 feet per mile. Land along it is managed by the National Park Service.
Bear-in-the-Lodge Creek
~1h 6m drive
Bear-in-the-Lodge Creek is a 103-mile paddling stretch near Wanblee, South Dakota. It is intermittent and may run dry in some seasons. USGS models an average flow of about 34 cfs and a gradient of about 10.3 feet per mile.
Bad River
~1h 7m drive
Bad River is a 140-mile paddling stretch near Okaton, South Dakota. It is intermittent and may run dry in some seasons. USGS models an average flow of about 200 cfs and a gradient of about 4.7 feet per mile.
