Flows: The online gauge is far downstream, and is only used as a ballpark estimate. On that gauge: 6' usually equates to a class IV, 7.5' is class IV+, and 9' is class V. At 18' on the online gauge this section still appeared runnable, but serious class V. It is not known whether it has ever been run that high.
Because that gauge is so far downstream, the more relevant gauge is a visual gauge located on the put in bridge. On this gauge 7' is class IV, 7.5' is IV+, and 8.5' is class V.
Paddling: The stream can be run from the lake, flowing over sheets of bedrock that grow increasingly steep as they enter the crux section. The slides section should be scouted before putting on.
The main event consists of three distinct slides. The main line off the first drop is in the middle and offers up a good boof, but some choose to put in at the lip on the right side, while others choose to put in below this first larger slide. The second slide is the easiest and is run on the left. The third and final major slide has a lead in that pushes left just before the slide that (as of this writing) has a log at its base, so is run by getting quickly back to the right after the lead in to go down the slide on the right and avoid the log.
There is a pool at the base of this slide before the river enters the boulder garden section. This section is longer than the slides section and scouting your first time down is warranted to check for lines and wood which is often present though manageable. This section finishes up with a six foot airplane turn to the right that often ends in spectator friendly lines.
After this drop, it is class II-III to the take out bridge a short distance below. The whole run is about 1 mile long. Some people combine this run with
Sweet Creek.
Trip Report from Wheels and Water.
Into the Outside report