What water level is good for paddling Raystown Branch Juniata — Everett to Saxton?

This section is generally runnable at 120–3,000 cfs (a conservative estimate — see our methodology). Below that it gets too low and bony; well above the top of the range it becomes pushy and then dangerous. We compare the live USGS reading to that range to produce today's verdict.

How do I check Raystown Branch Juniata River levels?

We read USGS gauge 01562000 — the same public data USGS publishes — about every 30 minutes and compare it to the runnable range for this reach. You can also view the raw gauge yourself at waterdata.usgs.gov.

Is Raystown Branch Juniata — Everett to Saxton good for beginners?

This section is rated Class I. At good levels it suits confident beginners and up, but it can have riffles or small rapids. Scout anything you can't see, and stay off it at high water.

When is the best time to paddle Raystown Branch Juniata River here?

Typically April–June, when flows are most reliable for this section. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt; late summer can drop too low. Always check today's gauge reading rather than assuming.

How long does it take to float Raystown Branch Juniata — Everett to Saxton?

This reach is about 15 miles, roughly 5.5 hours at a relaxed pace. Higher water is faster; low water and headwinds are slower. Add time for stops.

Raystown Branch Juniata — Everett to Saxton: River Level Today — Can You Paddle It?

Class I15 mi · ~5.5 hrRaystown Branch Juniata RiverPennsylvania

Verdict · updated Aug 22, 6:00 AM UTC

Good to paddle

Levels are within the typical runnable range for this section.

Estimated range

239 cfs

1.6 ft gauge height

USGS gauge 01562000

Runnable 120 – 3,000 cfs

01203,0003,576

What this means today

At 239 cfs the Raystown Branch Juniata River is inside the runnable range but only 119 cfs above the 120 cfs floor, so it is sitting at the shallow end of what this reach runs at. A dry few days would take it under.

Over the last 24 hours it has barely moved, 239 cfs to 239 cfs. Daily means over the past 6 days have run between 208 cfs and 236 cfs, ending roughly where it started.

Paddling Raystown Branch Juniata — Everett to Saxton

Raystown Branch Juniata River at Raystown Branch Juniata — Everett to Saxton is a 15-mile Class I run in Pennsylvania — easygoing moving water with light riffles and nothing technical. Most paddlers put in at Everett, PA access and take out at Saxton, PA access, a trip that runs about 5.5 hours at a relaxed pace.

Whether it's worth the drive comes down to flow. This section generally paddles well at 120–3,000 cfs (a conservative estimate — see our methodology). Much below that and the Raystown Branch Juniata River gets low and bony, so you end up scraping gravel and walking the shallows; well above the top of the range it turns fast, cold and pushy, which is a more serious day than most casual boaters want. We read USGS gauge 01562000 about every 30 minutes and compare the live number to that window, so the verdict at the top of this page reflects conditions right now rather than a monthly average.

Flows here are usually most dependable April–June. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt, and late summer often drops too low to float well — but the gauge always beats the calendar, so check today's reading before you go.

7-day flow trend

Daily mean flow (cfs), past 7 days. Shaded band = runnable range.

Section facts

Difficulty: Class I
Length: 15 mi
Float time: ~5.5 hr
Best months: April–June
Put-in: Everett, PA access ↗
Take-out: Saxton, PA access ↗

Reading USGS gauge 01562000 — Raystown Branch Juniata River at Saxton, PA ↗ · runnable range is an estimate (see methodology)

FAQ

What water level is good for paddling Raystown Branch Juniata — Everett to Saxton?: This section is generally runnable at 120–3,000 cfs (a conservative estimate — see our methodology). Below that it gets too low and bony; well above the top of the range it becomes pushy and then dangerous. We compare the live USGS reading to that range to produce today's verdict.
How do I check Raystown Branch Juniata River levels?: We read USGS gauge 01562000 — the same public data USGS publishes — about every 30 minutes and compare it to the runnable range for this reach. You can also view the raw gauge yourself at waterdata.usgs.gov.
Is Raystown Branch Juniata — Everett to Saxton good for beginners?: This section is rated Class I. At good levels it suits confident beginners and up, but it can have riffles or small rapids. Scout anything you can't see, and stay off it at high water.
When is the best time to paddle Raystown Branch Juniata River here?: Typically April–June, when flows are most reliable for this section. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt; late summer can drop too low. Always check today's gauge reading rather than assuming.
How long does it take to float Raystown Branch Juniata — Everett to Saxton?: This reach is about 15 miles, roughly 5.5 hours at a relaxed pace. Higher water is faster; low water and headwinds are slower. Add time for stops.

Nearby sections

Good to paddle · 5,510 cfs