Black River
Apache Co. · 70 mi · Class I–II
0CFS/ 8.24 ft
Below Optimal→Stable
Optimal: 200–1500 CFS · USGS #09489000
Length
Difficulty
Optimal
Avg Flow
Hist. Median
USGS Gauge
Fort Apache Reservation (permit required)
The Black River drains the White Mountains of eastern Arizona, flowing through ponderosa pine forests and the Fort Apache Reservation. One of the few mountain rivers in Arizona, it offers cool-water paddling and excellent native trout fishing far from the desert heat.
Trip sections
Upper Black River — Class I–II, mountain meadows
Reservation reach — Class I–II, forested canyon
Lower Black to Salt River — Class I, desert transition
Outfitters
White Mountain Apache Outfitters
Black River guided fishing and paddling
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPSLoading forecast...
10-Year Flow Patterns
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Data Quality
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.