Misicot Falls ("Third Pier")

Misicot Falls ("Third Pier") is the entrance to Piers Gorge. A rocky ledge (to the left) and the more usual line on the right, where a fine 'V' shaped tongue leads through waves and holes. (There are actually quite a few different lines which are run.) The main flow (on the right) runs headlong toward Volkswagen Rock, which can create a significant pourover/hole at higher flows.

3rd Pier (also known as Misicot Falls) can be recognized from upstream by the appearance of rock walls on each side of the river and a distinct horizon line. Also if coming down from 4th Pier you will see a sand beach on the river left side of the river before you get to the falls. This is where the rafters generally get out to scout the falls. There is an eddy on the river right just above the falls. This is a nice place for kayakers to get out and scout the drop, as the recommended line is from river right.

The drop itself is a 10' slide into the gorge proper. Extending about 6' from the river right shore at the base of the falls is a somewhat sticky hole that some boaters enjoy playing in. However, I have also seen this hole stop many a boater in their tracks as they come over the falls and proceed to freak them out, resulting in a swim through the next 1/2 mile of rapids. The falls are somewhat V-shaped on river right. The idea is to hit the falls in the center of that V moving towards river left. This line will put you in the large eddy on river left quickest. There is a hole on river left as you go over the falls, but I have penciled into this hole before and came out fine. The further to the river right that you hit the V, the more exciting the drop becomes. There are some very nice waves immediately below the drop. At levels around 2500 cfs the first wave you hit will send you air borne, which provides an awesome opportunity for a wave-wheel. However, Volkswagen Rock, just downstream of 3rd Pier discourages too many heroics.