Lester River Rd. to Superior St. (1.5 miles)

A great feel for (at least some parts of) this run can be had from this video (Click link >>): _2014 Lester River Race_ \\*\\*\\*\\* The long-time put-in is no longer available ... it is now private property! \*\*\* Shuttle up Lester River Road (from Lester Park, on North edge of Duluth) to a driveway (going back to a pole barn) directly opposite a 'curve ahead' sign. Park in the driveway near the road and carry to the river along the property line. This is a negotiated solution (in 2022) with these property owners. Please be respectful of their properties ('Leave no trash, leave no trace!') ... don't blow it for your fellow boaters! There is plenty of action on this short run, so you're never too far from the next drop. Most drops merit scouting. Names (in order) are: Put-in Slide, Limbo, 2 Mini-limbos, Naked Man, Mini-Octopus, Holy Shit, O My God, Almost Always, and Unemployment. First up is a mini-gorge where the river twists to the right. Usual line starts well to the left, then paddling hard to draw across to the center (in the heart of the bend) and power through the hole which forms as the river opens up below the gorge walls. Another drop of concern starts with a couple ledge/waves (with not-so-obvious piton rocks present center-stream), then a brief stretch of strong current, leading to about a 6' ledge into a particularly sticky hydraulic. By staying tight to the rock on the left one may avoid the meat of the hole. Numerous slides, curved ramps and relatively steep boulder gardens follow. The most significant drop on the run occurs where stone walls rise and the river cuts deep -- exit river-right to scout _Almost Always_ (so named because it is, or historically was, 'almost always' portaged). While the drop itself is only on the order of 20-25', the height of the rock walls flanking this drop add to visual impact. The drop is not sheer vertical, but the landing zone (in a somewhat gnarly looking hole) is rumored to be relatively shallow. Action below this is significantly milder (though still entertaining), as the river finishes its route to Lester Park. Take out is either above or below a final short (~3-4') ledge into a large pool backed up by a shallow cement ridge/dam. It is not advised to proceed beyond this point, as the river joins with the flow from Amity Creek to drop through some powerful holes, turn and churn against a polished rock wall, and pour over a final ledge, before meekly meeting the waters of Lake Superior.