Gauge Conditions
Description
This rapid was previously more difficult, but the large hole at the bottom has moderated significantly and is usually no longer a significant issue for boaters.
Most boaters enter left of center, move left around two holes up top, then quickly move back center then right at the bottom. At medium to high flows it can be run straight down the right from top to bottom. No matter what, you don't want to be left at bottom because the river dumps toward a charismatic cabin-sized boulder that is a pin hazard.
Even though the giant hole at the bottom is now compartively tame, this rapid is still high consequence because it is so close to Freight Train. Swimmers and flipped boats can easily wash from Last Chance into Freight Train, especially at medium and high flows where there is little or no slack water between the two rapids.
Scout right from river level and/or scout from the road pullout above.
This rapid was featured prominently in the 1980s cult classic boating bloopers video, Slammin' Salmon.
Location
Other Rapids on This Run (20)
Rapid
IV
Waterfall
V
Current Conditions
5-Day Forecast
American Whitewater