Overview:
Mill Creek is the next navigable waterway south of Stony Creek, in the Shenandoah Valley near Mount Jackson. It is a creek with great variety, from small ledges (with good surfing) in the upper section to a huge drop in the middle to a fun slalom (photo above) and old dam below that. Mill Creek does not run very frequently. Unless it poured rain the day before or day of it probably doesn't have enough water. Passage Creek at 500 cfs or above might be a decent correlation for minimum levels. This stream makes a good combination with Stony Creek.
Recommended Trips:
(1/3 to full daytrip) Rinkerton or higher to Mount Jackson
Directions to Put-ins/Take Outs:
View Mill Creek (Shenandoah tributary) in a larger map
Rinkerton: There is a decent roadside put in at the Rt 614 bridge at Rinkerton, but put in higher if there's enough water (like at Mount Clifton)
Mount Jackson: Parking is limited, but there are informal takeout opportunities at the Rt 11 bridge on the south end of town. You can try asking to park at the old mill/warehouse building.
Sections of River to Run:
Down to Mount Jackson: In the upper section, Mill Creek is a tiny stream that courses over countless small ledges. It offers the best of the Valley. By and by you will come to a long rock slide. If you thought water levels were minimal before they will seem really minimal here, and it may be impossible to float through in a tandem canoe (photo below). After navigating this ledge be on the lookout for a big ledge down below. There is a dangerous rapid where, at low water levels, almost all the water goes through a sieve on the left. Portage down the rock ledge on the right. If you have enough water to run the ledge shown below without scraping you may also have enough water to run down the right side of the big ledge, in which case you will be dropping some 7-8 feet nearly vertically into a rather small, not particularly deep pool. The main hazard are some potential pinning rocks shortly downstream, which would appear to be prone to catch strainers. Below this ledge (which is easily safely portaged at lower runnable levels), you will enter a hundred yard long class 2 rapid with significant ledges and holes. Be prepared to get pushed left into a diagonal hole that you will want to enter with a good brace, leaning hard left/downstream. The hole is surprisingly strong. Not to far below this slalom is an old dam that is a pain to portage, and shortly after the dam you will enter Mount Jackson. This stream may sound like a lot of work from the description, but it is worth it for enjoyable ledges, attractive scenery, and unusual rock formations.
