This is the first rapid after Marble (Gaping Maw) and is separated from it by a long, calm pool. The river bends sharply to the right at the entry to Fords, which is a rock-clogged rapid at low flows and a disorganized wave train at higher flows.
There is also a double-track path uphill to Salmon River Road here, providing one of the only opportunities to reasonably exit the Butler Run between Inga's and Brannons Bar. The double-track path joins the paved road at the five-mile marker; look for a closed green gate (locals call this spot Green Gate, Fords, or Grubstake).