S5 - Kayak #2 Big Creek Reservoir, Newport

S5 - Kayak #2 Big Creek Reservoir, Newport


Starting Location: Boat Ramp at start of Big Creek Reservoir #2

Point of Interest : flatwater, waterfowl, fishing

Distance: Decent sized lake, narrow, just under a mile long.

Time on float: up to you.

Bathrooms: 1 port a potty

Parking: Minimal, gravel

EV Chargers: No 

Rentals: No

Big Creek road is just to the right as you are heading out of Newport to the North. If you follow it, you come to a dead end sign, and then a gravel road that heads off to the left along the reservoir. Yes, this is the right way to go. The road is gravel, but in good repair, but it gets narrow in places, where 2 cars going opposite directions would have issues.

Eventually, after about a mile, you get to this small gravel boat launch area. We were here on a Monday afternoon, so not many people were here, no boaters, just a few fishermen.


The lake is quiet (no motors), with lots of nature to enjoy. There are quite a few spots you could pull up to if you want to swim or fish, or just relax. 

We saw at least 3 herons, and 2 bald eagles on this float. They were very active. An osprey came along a bit later, and that's when things got interesting. The osprey managed to steal a fish from one of the fishermen along the shore, and took off with its prize. Then one of the bald eagles gave chase. The osprey chose to dump the fish to escape, but the bald eagle would not go away.  I managed to get some video of the chase, although the birds are pretty small in the video. It was fun to watch.


On the way home, we took Kings Valley Hwy, and decided to stop at the natural spring along the side of the road. The only problem was we weren't quite sure where it was. We've seen people there before, but we never stopped. Fortunately, there was already someone there, so that helped us find it.


On Google Maps, it's called Kings Valley Highway Spring, and it's between Harnum Road and Fir Grove Road. It is clear, cold, and easily accessible, although you do have to cross the hwy to get to it. There is a nice pull over area that can handle a bunch of cars. 

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