I have several local trails which have good, hard-bottomed water crossings -- one has fish spawning just downstream of it, so I truly believe that water crossings can be executed well. The yahoos that Steve describe aren't doing it well -- stuck, spinning tires, littering. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> They're giving OHV-ers a black-eye that we can ill afford. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

I use to 'wheel with a canoe strapped up top, and I'm looking forward to starting again this summer -- I'm a paddler and a 'wheeler, and that doesn't have to be a conflict! My 4x4 gets me to some of the best places to paddle -- Spider Lake, the backside of Buck Island, Meadow Lake, Fordyce...

I agree with Scott -- in most conditions, we can minimize creek crossings, and minimize our time in the water by crossing as close to perpendicular as possible, and aiming for a rocky or sandy bottom, as opposed to mud or silt. If wheels start to spin, it may make sense to stop and get a strap or winch assist.

Preach on, Steve...

Randii