Spruce Park Rapid Series

Like the Three Forks Rapid series, the Spruce Park Rapid series is about a two-mile section of rocky rapids that ends with a large rapid at the site of the proposed Spruce Park Dam. Dam efforts were defeated, leaving this river in is free-flowing state. Prior to the beginning of the rapid series, there is a large flat campsite on river right in Spruce Park, a widening of the river corridor. With the exception of the last rapid, most are read-and-run, though rafts at lower flows may want to scout. At higher flows, watch for goose-neck-like bends in the river where currents may push against the walls. Eddy out above the last big rapid on river right to scout. At 3.6 ft the entrance drop can be run center or right. Running the center line makes it easy to shoot the gap between the two subsequent center boulders, followed by a move to the right to avoid a left-side pourover, which probably becomes a large hole at higher flows. If piloting a raft, consider the right line to avoid getting stuck between the rocks. The exit rapid has a large boulder dead center and can be run down the left channel. There are a couple good campsites at the end of this section and before you reach Bear Creek. While this series of rapids is often the end of overnight trips on the river, you can also hike up with boats or packrafts from Bear Creek to run this section as a fun day trip.