Front Range Kayaking: May 2008

It has been an epic Escalante season. The levels have not dipped below medium for a month, being higher most of the time than the peak of a normal year. I'm not sure how much longer it will last but it could go for a week or two more (still running high as of 5/18). All photos here are from medium to high levels.

Uh- where's the fin?

George at Leap of Faith.

Link to quick Leap of Faith video:

http://www.vimeo.com/1008222

Waterslide is the most consequential drop on the run. The low water right line does not go if the level is above medium-high. At these levels, you have to boof down the center, being careful not to get pushed into the seived-out left channel. Kevin runs a good line at Waterslide at high water.

Craig in Double Drop.

Rib ripper- great high water boof.

Neat view of Corkscrew.

Inner Gorge late in the day.

In late April 08, our quest for ample flows and clean waterfalls motivated an 18 hours drive to the Pacific Northwest to sample the finest whitewater that the region had to offer. We found some rivers to low, some too high, and a few just right. In chronolgical order, we paddled:

1) Upper East Fork of the Hood- too low when we did it but it had good gradient and lots of potential with more water.

2) The Farmlands- would be considered a classic if it was anywhere but upstream of the Green Truss. Definitely worth your time if you are in the area.

3) The Upper Wind- nice Class IV run but didn't quite live up to its billing. Reminded me alot of Chekamus (BC).

4) Canyon Creek (WA)- one of the best runs that I have ever done. We had about 700 cfs which seemed like a nice medium level. Clean drops and some big sticky holes. We had 3 swims. When in doubt, boof hard.

5) East Fork of the Lewis- really fun run. 1200 seemed like a good level. Two very clean 15-20 foot waterfalls and a great class IV gorge with a few sticky holes.

6) West Fork of the Hood- pretty but kind of easy. Maybe good if everything else around there is flooding.

7) The Green Truss- total classic. Lots of great rapids besides the big 3 that you always hear about. Pool drop with clean rapids and a few sticky holes. All in rugged and spectacular gorge. Thanks to the local boaters who have placed fixed ropes in all the right places throughout this run. The only issue right now is the log in Lower Zig Zag that necessitated a pretty scary portage (hand rappelling anyone?). I think there may be a better way to do this. It would be worth looking into. Notwithstanding the portage, I can see how people come back to this run over and over.

8) Rock Creek- our backup after being scared off the Upper Little White by the monster take-out drop and excessive amounts of wood. Very pretty run. Needs more water.

Here is a semi-chronological photo dump from the trip. Some taken by Brian and some taken by me. Enjoy.

Me- Lava Dam Falls- Farmlands.