Whitewater Run UT Class II+

04. Lorin Farr to Crystal Wave

Ogden

Linked via: Proximity 86% confidence Synced 3mo ago

Monitor
Gauge Conditions
Ogden River near Gibson Avenue at Ogden, UT Downstream Primary
Runnable: 150.0 – 650.0 CFS

Good levels for the Crystal wave. It washes out a bit at higher levels.

Data from American Whitewater & USGS
Run Map
Run Time Estimate
Select put-in and take-out to estimate time.
Unlock Advanced Trip Planning

See wind-adjusted speed maps, forecast planning, and detailed time estimates.

Sign Up Free
Sign in to generate an AI timing estimate for this run.
Whitewater timing varies with scouting, portages, and group pace. Use as a planning baseline.
Description
The Ogden through town offers some easier sections that are good for learning at low to medium flows. A very short section with an official-looking putin would be below Grant Ave, to the 'Crystal' wave below Wall Ave, by the Walmart. There are many possible putins, the furthest upstream that is still class 2 would be at the botanical garden above Monroe Ave. There is a popular surf wave under the Gramercy street bridge. Beware of fishhooks in the bushes along this run. At 550 cfs, the Lincoln bridge has two feet of clearance. If the level is over 520 cfs on the Ogden near Gibson USGS gauge,  and Lincoln Ave is a portage, another short section that is generally still a good intro would be below Lincoln to Crystal wave. There is a gravel turnout for parking on the south side of the river at Lincoln. Crystal wave  is normally the end of this section. You could float another couple hundred yards, but you would need to pack your boat back to the Walmart lot, as driving is no longer allowed along the river in that area. Often there is riverwide wood a few hundred yards below the Crystal wave, on the third railroad bridge. Bank scouting is recommended before paddling below there; as there is a lot of wood. The 'car drop' is behind the 21st street pond, then some brushy meanders with sweepers lead to the confluence with the Weber. In 2022 there was a multitrunk riverwide log jam, a couple hundred hards above the confluence, easily visible from the bike path. If you paddle below the confluence, be aware of the large diversion dam .4 miles below the confluence,  and scout your takeout along 17th south and 1200W.
Difficulty
Class II+
Length
1.3 mi
Rapids
0
Access Points
Put-in
41.2360, -111.9600
Take-out
41.2330, -111.9820
Shuttle Info
Ogden town run: When there is water (200+ suggested), the town run makes for a good warmup or beginner run, although brush and wood can be an issue. A putin at the botanical garden above Monroe would extend this class 2+ section a bit. The wave under the Grammercy bridge can be  good at higher levels. Beware of thorn trees like Russian olives leaning over the river. Fishing lures are also common in the bushes. Below Wall Ave near the Walmart, is the new "Crystal wave", a nice front surf that is popular with standup paddleboarders as well as kayaks. In the summer dozens of tubers and swimmers are usually enjoying this area, and it may be a little crowded for a kayak. Crystal wave is a normal takeout. You can go a couple hundred yards further if desired. === Going past the footbridge below the Crystal wave is not recommended for beginners, as there is a railroad bridge that collects wood, and portaging here may be considered tresspassing.  Heading under this bridge can have that "going into uncharted territory" feeling, and the brush can be thick. You will find the "car drop", behind the 21st street pond. Beware of trees underwater extending from the left bank in the car drop.  Be aware that homeless camps may be in the woods in this area. There is a nice bike path along the confluence with the Weber river, which allows for scouting of the wood and brush situation if you want to explore down to the confluence. Below the confluence, the diversion dam at 1200W requires a takeout or portage. At some levels there is an interesting surf wave, which is unfortunately close to this diversion structure. Its also possible to go down the canal on the left, and takeout on 1250 W near Stevens Henager college. There are quite a few beavers and birds below the confluence, and although its in the city, the waterway is little-travelled. Below the 1200W diversion is flat water that is occasionally canoed; and might be ok on a SUP.
Difficulty Classes
I Easy II Novice III Intermediate IV Advanced V Expert/Extreme VI Unrunnable
Current Conditions
5-Day Forecast
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater