Hazard Warning: Hazard information may be user-submitted and unverified. Conditions change frequently. Always scout rapids and obstacles yourself.
Rapid PA Class II+

Camel and Walrus

Youghiogheny - 6. Lower (PA)

Gauge Conditions
Runnable: 1.1 – 7.0 FT

Arguably most difficult at 4-5'. Above 5', things begin to wash out, though there are some BIG holes and waves.

Photo
Camel and Walrus
Photo courtesy of American Whitewater
Description

As the rapid is approached from upstream, at low and moderate levels, there is a rock on far river right that looks like a camel's head (not visible in picture). Just to the left of the camel's head rock is a rock that looks like the hump of a camel's back - this is "Camel" rock. Further downstream and river left relative to "Camel" is a dark rock in the center of the river that looks like a "Walrus". Usual line is to head to the left of "Camel" rock and to the right of "Walrus," punching hard or boofing the ledge that runs diagonally upstream from "Walrus." Alternative line is to run between "Camel Head" and "Camel" rocks and catch the eddy behind "Camel" rock. From there do a hard peel-out into the main current and build up speed to punch the ledge to the right of "Walrus." After the ledge there is a rock lying just below the surface to be avoided to your right. Either cut back left hard or run wide right. If the submerged rock can't be avoided, hit it hard and/or lean into it. Also, "Walrus," has an excellent boof opportunity. Boof it from the right side over the ledge. Increasingly, some paddlers chose to punch the hole to the left of "Walrus." There is a sneak line far right after passing the "Camel" rock, but below 2.5, or so, it has a rocky runout.

Location
Type
Rapid
Difficulty
Class II+
Mile Marker
0.7 mi
Directions
View Full Run
6. Lower
Youghiogheny
III 7.2 mi
Current Conditions
5-Day Forecast
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater