Newton and McDonald Counties of far southwestern Missouri, very near the Oklahoma State Line to the west and the Arkansas State Line to the south. Joplin is less than an hour's drive to the north.

Joplin 25 miles; Springfield 70 miles; Kansas City 175 miles; St. Louis 280 miles; Oklahoma City 241 miles; Little Rock 205 miles; Dallas 446 miles; Austin 636 miles; San Antonio 716 miles; Houston 702 miles; Albuquerque 783 miles; Phoenix 1,222 miles; Denver 866 miles; Salt Lake City 1,342 miles (all distances are approximate and depend upon starting point, destination point on the river and route taken.)

Water quality is generally very good to excellent, flowing clean, clear and cool from natural springs and rainfall runoff. Navigable flows usually are found only in springtime, though the creek may be boatable any time after a significant local rain event.

Late-February or early-March through late-May or early-June is the optimum season for boating Indian Creek. From mid-June through February the creek usually has insufficient flow and depth for enjoyable boating.

There are no major rapids or waterfall drops of consequence on Indian Creek. However, the river bends frequently, and dead-fall strainers or log jams can become serious threats to safe boating, especially in high-water conditions. A mill dam near McNatt, at about 7.4 miles, can be run by experienced boaters in high water conditions, but otherwise should be portaged over the dam. The aerated water below the drop is very hazardous to boats in normal to low water conditions, and could result in injuries to paddlers. The Seller's Ford low-water bridge, at about 18.8 miles, is a potential boat bender at any flow, and can be very dangerous at above normal flows. A concrete slab river ford at about 24.5 miles is slippery when covered with water, dropping off about 4 feet onto a nasty rock pile - exercise extreme caution when approaching, and portage as necessary. The low-water take-out bridge, about 0.4 miles below the Elk River confluence, can be dangerous at any flow level, as can the one at 1.7 miles below the confluence. Avoid pinning and wrapping on these bridges. A moderate average gradient of about 8.7 fpm gives a steady current that accelerates in or near flood stage conditions, making boat control even more demanding and important. Do not get lulled into submission by the gorgeous surrounding landscape, then forget to steer clear of obstructions. While most of this stream rates a Class I distinction, the higher Class II to III rating is due to the potential for pinning in the debris fields and log jams around bends, especially during or shortly after a high-water event.

Highway D Bridge (during spring months or high-water conditions only), just east of Boulder City, at 0.0 miles; Wolfenbrager Bridge on an unnamed Newton County road at about 3.5 miles; Old bridge about 3.5 miles east of Goodman, just off Highway C, at about 10.1 miles (private ownership); Mayfield Bridge, about 2 miles south of Highway C, at about 13.1 miles; Seller's Ford low-water bridge at about 18.8 miles; Indian Creek RV Park, at the US Highway 71 bridge, at about 19.3 miles; SH 76 bridge at about 19.8 miles; MDC Town Hole Access, next to the Anderson Post Office, at about 21.3 miles; Iron bridge on McDonald County road south of Anderson at about 21.6 miles; Lanagan City Park, on river right at about 25.1 miles; Highway EE bridge at about 25.5 miles; Low-water bridge about 0.4 mile downstream from the Elk River confluence (the normal take-out for this run) at about 27.4 miles; Mt. Shira Access (optional take-out), about 1.7 miles below the Elk River confluence, on river right at about 28.7 miles.

There are numerous commercial campgrounds, as well as conventional accommodations providers, located along or in close proximity to Indian Creek.

There are numerous commercial outfitters offering rentals, shuttles and river information along or in close proximity to Indian Creek.

While more seasonal in nature than the Elk River or its other tributaries, Indian Creek offers excellent paddling opportunities when it is flowing, and great camping year-round. This stream flows through a forested area of very limited development and immense natural beauty. Outfitter services are very few, Indian Creek RV Park being the only one with which I am familiar, though others may have since located to this area. Unfortunately, the creek has a season that is usually only during spring months, when rainfall raises it to navigable levels for canoeing and kayaking, though tubing can be done almost year-round on some sections. Access is excellent, so boaters can choose from among trips of several lengths depending upon time available or other criteria. The way popularity of the Elk River and Big Sugar Creek are growing, it may not be long before Indian Creek becomes an equally busy place, but for now, paddlers and campers can find a lot of solitude in a pristine wilderness on very clean water. Best of all, from my perspective, is the very close proximity to the Elk River and Big Sugar, and the not-too-distant other great paddling streams of southern Missouri and northern Arkansas. You may have a hard time being an Ozark Mountain Daredevil on this creek, but you will have a very enjoyable experience that will make you look forward to the next time you paddle here. As usual, bring your camera along to capture some photos of a gorgeous place to camp, paddle, hike and otherwise enjoy this very scenic part of the "Show Me" state.