David Dudley I’ve only done it at summer flows 1000-1500cfs. I’ve heard it described as “an adventurous run for the class 3-3+ boater” which I’d agree with. At summer flows most of the run from big cliff dam to the fish ladder dam above packsaddle is class 3. The Narrows however is solid 4+ (portagable with a seal launch at the bottom) and Niagara is a long class 3 with that pinch between the rock walls at the end (can be a psychological obstacle for some). Guidebooks say it’s a class 4 run overall when it’s around 2500cfs. At higher flows than that (in the fall they release around 6K for awhile) Niagara becomes a very dangerous area with powerful eddies and undercurrents, not advised for boating. It’s a good summertime run for Willamette Valley boaters who are looking for a few bigger rapids than the Clackamas, Packsaddle run or McKenzie provide.
@@jharm8711How big of a seal launch is needed at the Narrows portage? I’ve been eyeing this run for a low flow summer run in the 1,000-1,200 range but I’m confident I’d want to portage the Narrows.
Good stuff.
What’s the best time of year to hit this? I was just there today. Looks bad ass!
Are paddling a Mamba, or Axiom?
Cody McCabe I'm paddling a Large Nomad in this video, I also have a Mamba
What class is this section?
David Dudley I’ve only done it at summer flows 1000-1500cfs. I’ve heard it described as “an adventurous run for the class 3-3+ boater” which I’d agree with. At summer flows most of the run from big cliff dam to the fish ladder dam above packsaddle is class 3. The Narrows however is solid 4+ (portagable with a seal launch at the bottom) and Niagara is a long class 3 with that pinch between the rock walls at the end (can be a psychological obstacle for some). Guidebooks say it’s a class 4 run overall when it’s around 2500cfs. At higher flows than that (in the fall they release around 6K for awhile) Niagara becomes a very dangerous area with powerful eddies and undercurrents, not advised for boating. It’s a good summertime run for Willamette Valley boaters who are looking for a few bigger rapids than the Clackamas, Packsaddle run or McKenzie provide.
@@jharm8711How big of a seal launch is needed at the Narrows portage? I’ve been eyeing this run for a low flow summer run in the 1,000-1,200 range but I’m confident I’d want to portage the Narrows.
Yah freakin’ hoo.