2011-04-06T21:55:00.000-07:00

Cal-Salmon Race 2011 - Click Here

CaliBurnFest 2010 - Click Here

2010 Cal-Salmon Nordheimer/Butler/? Race - Click Here

CaliBurnFest 2009 - Click Here

2009 Cal-Salmon Nordheimer Race: Click Here

2008 Cali-Burn Fest: Click Here

2008 Cal-Salmon Nordheimer Race: Click Here

CaliBurnFest 07': Click Here

Other Past Events:
AW Cataract Canyon Challenge Fundraiser
Santa Cruz Surf Comp '07

Run Descriptions:

Raft Wars

Team up with your Brother and defend your treasure!

Play this free game now!!

Cal-Salmon Race 2011

2011-04-06T03:01:00.001-07:00

Cal-Salmon Race 2011 Results:

Longboat:
1st-Dan Menten
2nd-Danny Salazar

Shortboat-
1st-Jared Sandeen
2nd-Frazer Tear
3rd-Paul Gillingham

Cal-Salmon Nordheimer Race 2011 Information

Benefiting: Matt Thomas & Project Walk

When: May 6 - May 8, 2010 - Race on May 7th, Race starts on time at 1:23pm. Rafts and kayaks welcome.

Where: Nordheimer section of the Cal-Salmon. Race is from the Put-In at Nordheimer Creek Beach to the end

of Freight Train Rapid. This is a Class IV-V run.

Why: A Benefit for Matt Thomas and continuing his recovery at Project Walk. For more information about Matt

& Project Walk click here: Matt Never Gives Up! & Project Walk

Cost: As always everything is free. Due to permit and insurance issues there is a $5 insurance fee for anyone

who is not ACA member. Can be paid before race.

Help Wanted: Safety and Volunteers needed. Help is appreciated.

Race Theme: Cheerleaders vs Nerds. Everyone is encouraged to race in their costume, make sure you still

float...and do not litter!

Camping: Free camping will be available at two reserved campsites at Nordheimer Campground. Donations

accepted for camping reservations.

IF YOU PACK IT IN PLEASE PACK IT OUT. LET'S DO ALL WE CAN TO KEEP THE SALMON RIVER

BEAUTIFUL!

For Questions Contact:

Paul Gillingham

Cpg5@humboldt.edu

530-598-2408

CaliBurnFest 2010

2010-09-13T10:28:00.001-07:00

2010 Results:

(LB) Kayak Men:

1. Dan Menten

2. Charlie Center

3. Scott Ligare

(SB) Kayak Men:

1. Justin Patt

2. David Maurier

3. Martin Belden

(LB) Kayak Women

1. Christie Glissmeyer

(SB) Kayak Women:

1. Kim Russell

Raft:

1. Flair Whitewater

2010 Video Results From www.awetstate.com

Cali-Burn Fest 2010 from Daniel Brasuell on Vimeo.

Date: October 8th-10th, 2010
Where: Camel Rock + Burnt Ranch Gorge, Trinity River.

Benefiting: Matt Thomas & Project Walk. For More on Matt: Click Here

Huge Thanks to our Sponsors:

Schedule:
Friday, October 8thth at Noon, Big Air Expression Session, Camel Rock - Westhaven, CA.
No Rules, just surf and have a good time. The best aerials, combos, rides, carnage, etc caught on video and submitted, wins.

Directions to Camel Rock:

View Larger Map

Saturday, October 9th.
10:45am - Safety Meeting at the Dump. IF YOU ARE PADDLING THE GORGE TO SPECTATE PLEASE MEET AT 10:45AM FOR A QUICK SAFETY MEETING.
11:00am - Racers Meeting at the Dump.
Noon: Race begins from the Son of Scrapper to the bottom of #2, Rafts welcome. After the Classic there will be a Slalom through the rapid Hennessey. Racers will have to navigate gates (if we get them up in time), catch certain eddies, etc.

Camping To Be Determined.

Directions to Burnt Ranch Dump (Put-in):

View Larger Map

Winner History:
2009 - Rush Sturges(LB) Taylor Robertson(SB) Bigfoot(Raft)
2008 - Charlie Center(All SB)
2007 - Charlie Center(LB) Todd Baker(SB) Bigfoot(Raft)
2006 - Charlie Center(LB) Leif Anderson(SB)
2005 - Alex Wolfgram - 3,700cfs Playboat.

For more info on last year's race:Cick Here

2009 Wrap-up Video (AWetState Production)

Cali Burn Fest 09 from Daniel Brasuell on Vimeo.

2008 Wrap-up Video (AWetState Production)

Cali-Burn Fest '08 from Daniel Brasuell on Vimeo.

2006 Results Video

2006 Promo Video

Cal-Salmon Race 2010

2010-04-10T18:30:00.000-07:00

Salmon River Race 2010 - Photo: Orion Meredith.

2010 Results:

1st Place Kayak - Dan Menten 4x winner!
1st Place Raft - WET River Trips!

Supported by:

WET River Trips - Steve Liles Photos: GALLERY

Wes Schrecongost Photos: GALLERY

Sara Copp Photos:

Russell Heard Photos:

Orion Meredith Photos:

Thanks to everyone for rallying out!

4/29/10 Update:

Sounds like the road is going to remain closed for at least another week. If you're coming in from the East remember the road will be closed just past Freight Train.

Camping at Oak Bottom campground, $5 ACA "Racer" Fee. Everything else is free. We'll have a raffle if you want to win some gear.

Race from Butler Ledge (either above or below, tbd) to the bottom of either the Maw, Overhang, or below.

Salmon at 8.5' and rising.

When: April 30 - May 2nd, 2010 - Race on May 1st, Race starts 1:23pm at Put-in. (Either Butler Ledge or Nordheimer Creek Beach)

Where: Nordheimer or Bulter section of the Cal-Salmon.

Cost: As always everything is free. Due to permit and insurance issues there is a $5 insurance fee for anyone who is not ACA. Needed: Safety and Volunteers. More on this later but if you can help out I can definitely use your help.

Themed Race: Hippies vs Nascar. Everyone is encouraged to race in their costume, just be sure you'll still float...and doesn't litter the river!

IF YOU PACK IT IN PLEASE PACK IT OUT. LET'S DO ALL WE CAN TO KEEP THE SALMON RIVER BEAUTIFUL!

Camping: Free camping will be available at "Campgrounds A+B" at the Nordheimer Campground (Same spot as last year) or at Oak Bottom Campground if Nordy is closed.

Map to Oak Bottom Campground.

View Larger Map

Map to Nordheimer Campground.

View Larger Map

For Information on last year's race: Click Here

2009 Results
1st Overall - Dan Menten (Laser)
1st Women's Long Boat - Christie Glissmeyer (Green Boat)
1st Men's SB - Tye
1st R4 Raft - Oregon Rafting Team

Thanks to Shon Bollock for the video!

2007 & 08 videos thanks to Daniel Brasuell and AWetState.

CaliBurnFest '09

2009-08-07T10:37:00.000-07:00

Results:

Long Boat (Overall): Rush Sturges - Dagger Green Boat
Shortboat (Sub 9'): Taylor Robertson - Liquidlogic Remix
Raft: Bigfoot Rafting CO - 12' Hyside

Thanks to Daniel Brasuell of AWetState.com for the video:

Cali Burn Fest 09 from Daniel Brasuell on Vimeo.

Photos (Thanks to Emily Meredith & Darin McQuoid)

More photos at: Boof.com & the Kokatat Blog

Date: October 9th-11th, 2009
Where: Camel Rock + Burnt Ranch Gorge, Trinity River.
Benefiting: Matt Thomas. For More on Matt: Click Here

Huge Thanks to our Sponsors:

Rough Plan:

Friday, October 9th at Noon, Big Air Expression Session, Camel Rock - Westhaven, CA.
No Rules, just surf and have a good time. The best aerials, combos, rides, carnage, etc caught on video and submitted, wins.

Directions to Camel Rock:

View Larger Map

Saturday, October 10th.
11:00am - Safety Meeting at the Dump. IF YOU ARE PADDLING THE GORGE TO SPECTATE PLEASE MEET AT 11:00AM FOR A QUICK SAFETY MEETING.
11:30am - Racers Meeting at the Dump.
Classic Burnt Ranch Race + Hennessey Slalom.

Race will go from above Son of Scrapper to Bottom of #2, Rafts welcome. After the Classic there will be a Slalom through the rapid Hennessey. Racers will have to navigate gates (if we get them up in time), catch certain eddies, etc.

Camping To Be Determined.

Directions to Burnt Ranch Dump (Put-in):

View Larger Map

Winner History:
2008 - Charlie Center (All SB)
2007 - Charlie Center (LB) Todd Baker (SB) Bigfoot (Raft)
2006 - Charlie Center (LB) Leif Anderson (SB)
2005 - Alex Wolfgram - 3,700cfs

For more info on last year's race: Click Here

2008 Wrap-up Video (AWetState Production)

Cali-Burn Fest '08 from Daniel Brasuell on Vimeo.

2006 Results Video

2006 Promo Video

Nordheimer Race 2009

2009-02-06T15:17:00.000-08:00

Join us May 1st-3rd 2009 for the 3rd Annual Cal-Salmon Nordheimer Race!

Thanks to Shon Bollock for the video!

Results
!st Overall - Dan Menten (Laser)
1st Women's Long Boat - Christie Glissmeyer (Green Boat)
1st Men's SB - Tye
1st R4 Raft - Oregon Rafting Team

Huge Thanks to our Sponsors:

Benefiting:

In addition this weekend will be directly after the completion of a Source to Sea Columbia River Expedition. If you would like to follow the team please visit: Click Here

When: May 1-3rd, 2009 - Race on May 2nd, Race starts 1:23pm at Put-in.

Where: Nordheimer section of the Cal-Salmon.

Cost: As always everything is free. Due to permit and insurance issues there is a $5 insurance fee for anyone who is not ACA. Sorry but this is just how it goes sometimes. Raffle wristbands are $10 each.

Needed: Safety and Volunteers. More on this later but if you can help out I can definitely use your help.

Themed Race: There is a Monsters vs Pornstars theme to the race. Everyone is encouraged to race in their costume, just be sure you'll still float...and doesn't litter the river!

IF YOU PACK IT IN PLEASE PACK IT OUT. LET'S DO ALL WE CAN TO KEEP THE SALMON RIVER BEAUTIFUL!

Map to Nordheimer Campground.

View Larger Map

Camping: Free camping will be available at "Campgrounds A+B" at the Nordheimer Campground (Same spot as last year).

Previous race videos courtesy of Daniel Brasuell and AWetState

For Information on last year's race: Click Here

Feel free to email me at paulgamache@gmaildotcom I'll be paddling the Columbia River from March 1st - April 25th so I may not get back to you in time but who knows.

Cali-Burn Fest '08

2008-08-31T17:20:00.000-07:00

Big Air Expression Session Winner: Will Parham - Photo by Wes Schrecongost
Burnt Ranch Gorge Race Winner: Charlie Center - Photo by Robin Stocum.

Cali-Burn Fest '08 from Daniel Brasuell on Vimeo

Over the weekend we managed to raise $1,200 for the Sun Catchers Project. Thanks to everyone who helped out!

BRG Results:

1. Charlie Center
2. Rush Sturges +:15
3. Alex Wolfgram +:25
4. Brandon Gonski +:27
5. Will Parham
6. Ben Wartburg
7. Ian McClaren
8. Orion Merrideth +:51
9. Joe Carberry
10. Seth Naman
11. Diane Gaydos
12. Peter Malkin
13. Mike Lee
14. Davey O'Hare
15. Megan Harpham +2:01

Writeup at Canoe&Kayak.

Thanks again to Kokatat, C&K, Colorado Kayak Supply, Farmer Brown's Garden Supply, Etna Brew CO, Cali-Product, American Whitewater.

Also huge thanks to Daniel Brasuell of AWetState for putting together the video.

Hope to see you all there next year!

Sparking everything off is a show at Humbrews Thursday Oct 9th. Subliminal Sabatoge and Adrenaline Rush show following the showing of YoungGunProduction's newest film "Source". In addition to a great show everyone who shows up will be making a difference on a global scale, feeding those in need.

Show starts at 9pm. $5 doors.

Adrenaline Rush Myspace

SubSab Myspace

Combining an Explosive Big Air Ocean Expression Session with TWO days of racing through Burnt Ranch Gorge, this year's Cali-Burn Fest is set to be one hell of a good time!

New events to look forward to include a Boater-X through the Falls, Slalom through Hennessey, Team Relay (Bottom of #3 to Grays), along with the Classic Burnt Ranch Race (above Son of Scrapper - #2).

Safety Boaters are GREATLY APPRECIATED!

Free camping will be available at Rita's Place (Same spot as last year). If you don't know where to go, come to the race and we'll give you directions from there.

Fundraiser - Please Help Out.
Rita Riewert's Sun Catchers Project is sponsoring this event and providing a spot for everyone to camp at. If everyone could kick down $10 as a Thank You and to help her cause, that would be awesome. She'll also have some shirts and sweatshirts available if anyone wanted to help out that way as well.

The Sun Catchers Project is a non-profit organization which builds and donates solar ovens to impoverished African villages. These ovens come in a family size version as well as a village size which can cook up to 1,500 meals a day! For her to be able to continue this great cause she needs your support.

Rough Plan:

Friday, October 10th at Noon, Big Air Expression Session, Camel Rock - Westhaven, CA.
No Rules, just surf and have a good time. The best aerials,rides,carnage, etc caught on video wins.

Directions to Camel Rock:

View Larger Map

Saturday, October 11th.
"11am" - meet at the Dump.
Classic Burnt Ranch Race + Hennessey Slalom.

Race will go from above Son of Scrapper to Bottom of #2, Rafts welcome. After the Classic there will be a Slalom through the rapid Hennessey. Racers will have to navigate gates (if we get them up in time), catch certain eddies, etc.

After the race head back to Rita's place.

Sunday, October 12th. - NO Long Boats this day - 9' Max Length! (For sake of competition during team event)
"11am" - meet at the Dump.
Boater-X through the Falls. Team Relay from bottom of 3 to Grays.

The Boater-X will be 4 person head-to-head style heats. Top racer (or two) from each heat moves on until there's a winner. No Long Boats - 9' Max Length.

Team Relay - 2 Person Teams from Bottom of the Falls to Grays. Exchange Race Bibs/Racers around Walrus Rapid.

Lower section will be divided in half (roughly near Walrus Rapid). Race will have one of the racers paddle down to a partner waiting near Walrus. 1st Racer will hand off racebib and the 2nd paddler will race down from there to Gray's. First across the finish line at Gray's wins.

Directions to Burnt Ranch Dump (Put-in):

View Larger Map

Winner History:
2005 - Alex Wolfgram - 3,700cfs
2006 - Charlie Center (LB) Leif Anderson(SB)
2007 - Charlie Center (LB) Todd Baker (SB) Bigfoot (Raft)

For more info on last year's race: Click Here

2006 Results Video

2006 Promo Video

USWWRA Post: Click Here

Tatlow and Mamquam

2008-08-27T14:49:00.001-07:00

Check out the Bryan Smith's 49 Megawatts to learn more about this destructive project.

Working through the weekend the Ashlu Power Project continues on.

Repairing the road to put-in.

Cody getting over the culvert.

Heading to the Put-in, watch for branches. Photo: Scott Waidelich.

Dropping the truck at the end of the road and getting ready to head out.

Mike Fisher having fun on the hike.

Put-in.

Put-in Rapid.

Cody heading to scout the crackish 20'.

Cory on the Crackish drop.

Mike same drop.

Cody and Matt MacKinnon heading to another horizon line.

Cody on a fun double drop.

Portage - Sieve w/ wood.

Mike having fun once again on the portage.

Cody runs the famous wall drop.

Boof directly above the ~40' slide.

Scott ripping down the slide.

Portage for some, here Mike runs the Log Drop.

Mike in the foreground as Cory rips a boof on another super fun double-drop.

While we were on the creek a few Southeast boys (Tony, Shane, Curtis, etc) fixed up the road even more. This is the same culvet shown in the photo above, a 2wd could almost get over it now. Thanks Guys!

The next day we headed to Mamquam Falls.

Paul running a low but great flow Mamquam. Photo: Scott Waidelich.

About 2 minutes after Paul ran the drop the waterkeepers released flows on Mamquam Creek. The flow going over the falls trippled almost instantly! Look for this drop and more on Cody's upcoming Risen Sun film.

Washington State Runs

2008-06-09T21:17:00.001-07:00

Bigfoot Rafting Team

2008-01-25T16:51:00.000-08:00

Location: Willow Creek/Big Flat, CA

Team Paddlers:

Matt Hogge (Bend, OR)

Paul Gamache (Seattle, WA).

Website:www.Bigfootrafting.com

Highlights:
1st Place Burnt Ranch Gorge Race (2007)
2nd Descent of Pit River Falls River Left "Plunge Line"
1st Place Nordheimer Race - Under 6 Paddlers Division (2007)
Creators of "Super Saturday" Dress-up Days, Trinity River (2006-Present)

WWCS 08 Series Details

2008-01-25T16:41:00.000-08:00

Endorsed by the United States Rafting Association (USRA)
The WWCS was designed to promote the sport of whitewater paddle raft racing in the western United States. All paddlers and supporting boating communities are encouraged to participate therefore kayak, cataraft, and an unlimited category of racers will be amongst the competitors. It is the intent of this series to reward the most well developed overall skill sets of each team and individual participants, while fostering interest and generating cohesion amongst our associative river communities.

Points will be awarded to the competitors for the overall WWCS title in their respective divisions (Men’s paddle raft, Women’s paddle raft, Men’s kayak, Women’s kayak, Cataraft, Unlimited).

In best determining the overall skills sets of the competitors, the following events will be rated as:

Mandatory- this event must be attended if you perceive that your team or self is indeed the best boater in this region.
Optional- points can be attained towards the overall points lead, yet to actually win your overall division you must have attended each of the mandatory events.
Weighting – some events will be weighted more heavily than others regarding points. This may be at least partially attributed to the importance of developing/supporting this particular event and river community. Factors taken into account include; longevity, organization, accuracy of timing, generating interest, ability to bring communities together, accuracy in recording results, etc.

POINTS SCALE : (1-5)
Example 1 : The event is weighted a 5. This means the 1st place boat will earn 5 points, 2nd place 4 points, 3rd place 3 points.
Example 2 : The event is weighted a 3. 1st place earns 3 points, 2nd place 2 points, 3rd place 1 point.

March 22nd, 23rd
Upper Wind River : Carson, WA
Coordinators : Oregon Rafting Team (ORT)
IV+, 3 mile downriver.
Paddle rafts, kayaks, catarafts, unlimited.
Optional, 5

April 5th
NFA Chamberlain: Colfax, CA
Coordinators: CALIFORNIA WOMEN'S RAFT TEAM
IV, 4.9 mile downriver
Paddle rafts, kayaks, catarafts, unlimited. Mass Start: Kayaks. Timed: Rafts/Cats
Optional, 5

April 12th
Canyon Creek Extreme Race : Southwestern Washington
Coordinators : Next Adventure
V, .5 mile waterfall sprint.
Kayaks, inflatable kayaks, paddle rafts, unlimited.
Optional, 5

April 19th, 20th
Upper Klamath River : Keno, OR
Coordinators : ORT, Northwest Rafter’s Association (NWRA)
IV+, 7 mile downriver.
Paddle rafts, kayaks, catarafts, unlimited.
Mandatory, 5

May 2nd, 3rd
Cal-Salmon - Nordheimer Race: Orleans, CA
Coordinator : Paul Gamache, Caliproduct
IV+, 5 mile downriver.
Paddle rafts, kayaks, catarafts, unlimited.
Mandatory, 5

May 16th-19th
Upper Clackamas River
Coordinators : NWRA, Next Adventure
III+, V : 1 mile downriver, slalom, boatercross.
Paddle rafts, kayaks, catarafts, oared rafts.
Mandatory, 4

May 31st-June 2nd
North and South Fork Payette Rivers: USRA National Whitewater Championships
Coordinators : Sam Goff, Bill Driscoll, Payette Boise River Festival (PBR)
IV+ 4 mile downriver, slalom, sprint, boatercross, kayak rodeo.
Paddle rafts, kayaks, catarafts.
Mandatory, 10. (Double points awarded at this event only)

June 13, 14th
Wenatchee River : Wenatchee, WA
Coordinator : Paul Gamache
III, 4 mile downriver, kayak rodeo.
Paddle rafts, kayaks.
Optional, 3.

October 10, 11th
Burnt Ranch Gorge
Coordinator : Paul Gamache
IV+, 2 mile downriver.
Exhibition. Great event but currently outside of the racing season.

Of the 7 events only 4 are required to attend (Mandatory).

Boats - no requirements but must be deemed safe by event coordinators.

Teams – not to exceed 6 paddlers unless in unlimited division, co-ed teams will be scored in the men’s category.

Safety gear required, at a minimum; Type III-V pfd, helmet, spare paddles or oars for rafts/catarafts, first-aid kit in each boat, rescue rope in each boat.

Race coordinators have the right to inspect all competitors (looking for competent skill level and sobriety only) and their gear prior to the race. If one cannot comply with safety requests they will be dismissed from the competition without refund.

Paddle raft races will be ran in a head to head format conditions permitting. Adherence to International Rafting Federation (IRF) rules will be attempted whenever possible and/or if a dispute arises that cannot be immediately resolved by event coordinators. www.intraftfed.com

Upper Klamath Race

2008-01-24T21:46:00.000-08:00

Upper Klamath Downriver Race Sunday April 20th
Organized By:

April 19th practice, April 20th race.
7 miles, Class (IV+ - V). Mass start by division at Frain Ranch, finish at State Line Falls. Divisions include; kayak, paddle raft (14 feet or less in length, 3 thwarts, 6 paddlers or less, cataraft, unlimited.
High water cutoff=4,500cfs, low water cutoff=1,000cfs.
Activities Schedule:
1. Saturday 7:30am SHARP: all competitors meet for shuttle. Meeting place = Ashland Albertsons parking lot. From I-5 south, take a right off the freeway, drive approximately 200 meters, the large Albertsons parking lot will be to your right.
2. 8:15am – Depart for JC Boyle/Spring Island put in.
3. 9:45am – Arrive at the put in. All competitors quickly rig boats and gear up.
4. 10:15am – All participants safety meeting. Establish pod leaders and groups.
5. 10:45am – 1st pod shoves off, all other pods staged and depart at 5 minute intervals.
6. 11:45am – Stop above Caldera Rapid, river left, for a scout and snack.
7. 12:15 – 1st pod drops into Caldera, remaining pods shove off at 5 minute intervals.
8. 1:45 – 2:00pm – All competitors gather at take out river left below State Line for run debrief and discussion.
9. 2:30 – Load shuttle vehicles for drive to Ashland.
10. 3:00 – Depart take out (exact take out will be determined later but will be at or very close to State Line Access).
11. 4:15 – Arrive Albertsons parking lot.
12. 4:45 – Meet for food and refreshments at a venue to be determined.

Sunday
All timelines and locations still apply.
Only difference will be stop at Frain Ranch and start race there. Safety boaters and camera personnel will have a 15 minute head start to stage.
4:45 - At a venue in Ashland for chili feed and awards ceremony.
• The 1st Annual Upper Klamath Downriver Race is part of the Western Whitewater Championship Series (WWCS) which is endorsed by the United States Rafting Association (USRA).
• This series will be run with adherence to rules set forth by the International Rafting Federation (IRF) as these rules may apply.
• All WWCS events will be ran in accordance of all local regulations (permits), be insured by the American Canoe Association (ACA), and demonstrate environmental awareness at all times.
• WWCS entrance fees will be kept to an absolute minimum with the goal to simply cover costs such as permit fees, insurance, fuel, etc. The UK race fee is a mere $15 per competitor which includes all shuttles.

Volunteers are welcome. All participants are required to be safe, have fun, paddle hard, and develop positive river communities. Questions? Contact USRA President : Tim Brink at nomadyellow@yahoo.com.

ORT

2008-01-23T23:24:00.000-08:00

Location: Portland, OR

Team Members: Tim Brink, Evan Dupont, Toby Jewett, Dick Norris, Ryan Olivier, Bruce Reed, Mark Rettman, Jake Roop, Clinton Vining,

Website: www.Oregonraftingteam.com

2007 Race Results:

1st Place - Cal Salmon Nordheimer Race. 49 min.

1st Place - Clackamas Whitewater Festival - Paddle Team Slalom. 6 min 38 sec.

2nd Place - PBR Event Men's Division

1st Place - Wenatchee Whitewater Festival Downriver Race. 22 min 20 sec.

5th Place - U.S.A. National Rafting Championship Men's Division

1st Place - American River Festival Downriver

Photos/video:

Wind River Race Info

2008-01-23T22:36:00.000-08:00

Upper Wind Downriver race, March 22nd-23rd.
Organized By:

March 22nd, Saturday 1st practice run @10am, 2nd practice run @1:30pm.

March 23rd, Sunday – Races start at 11am. Class (IV+ - V). 3 miles, mass start by class at Stabler Bridge to approximately 2 miles below Climax. Take out will be river right above High Bridge. Classes include; kayak (all lengths), cataraft, and paddle raft (6 paddlers or less, boats 14 feet or less in length, 3 thwarts), and unlimited.

To reach the put in, drive north past Carson about 8 miles. There will be a store and a road on your left (This is Stabler). Take a left, cross over the bridge, after about 100 meters take a right, stay right, and follow that road down until it dead ends at the river. Unload quickly, park your vehicle off to the side of this short access road or park back up on the main road. This is a residential area, please be courteous and minimize traffic.

To reach the take-out, drive north past Carson, take last left before crossing High Bridge, take first right, next right, follow all the way to river (turns into dirt road).
Carson has gas, a small store, café, camping in the area, and cabins. Stevenson, Washington is about 6 miles away and has hotels, a supermarket, and many restaurants.
High water cutoff is 9 feet, low water cutoff is 5.3 feet. If the low water cutoff is enacted the race format will be converted from a paddle raft race to an R2 race for the sake of competition.

Schedule of activities:

Saturday 1st practice run, shove off time 10am. 2nd practice run shove off time 1:30pm. Time trial seeding for the catarfats will occur during the second Saturday practice.

~ 4pm Saturday; “debrief”, snacks and refreshments near the cabin at the put in area.

8-9am Sunday; race registration at the cabin near the put in. Around $15 per competitor which includes ACA insurance. Starting positions determined by who signs up first.

10am racers meeting at the put in area.

10:15am, safety boaters and camera crews launch. Race coordinators begin boat and gear inspection.

10:30am, begin staging racers. Kayaks first in line, paddle rafts next, followed by the cats and the unlimited crafts.

11am SHARP. Mass start kayak race.
11:05, paddle rafts.
11:10, catarfats.
11:15, unlimited.

12:30pm, all racers gather in eddies and on shore at the finish for final head count. Proceed downstream once the paddlers at the finish match the number of starters.

2:30pm : Begin Chili Feed and Awards Ceremony at the cabin near the put in.

4:30pm : Start headin home.

The 1st Annual Upper Wind River Race is part of the Western Whitewater Championship Series (WWCS) which is coordinated by the Oregon Rafting Team (ORT). All participants are required to be safe, have fun, paddle hard, and support river communities in any way possible. Questions contact USRA President Tim Brink at : nomadyellow@yahoo.com

2008-01-21T22:28:00.000-08:00

Western Whitewater Championship Series 2008

The site for the WWCS has changed. For Information:Click Here

Nordheimer Race '08 Sponsorship Information

2007-12-21T19:16:00.000-08:00

A huge thanks to Darin McQuoid for creating the flier.

Current Sponsors: Cali-Product, Colorado Kayak Supply, Darin McQuoid Photography, Face Level, Grapevine Apparel, Immersion Research, Information Miner, Kokatat , Meredith Family Vineyards, New Belgium Brewing, Somes Bar Store, and AWetState.

What: 2nd Annual Nordheimer Race 2008: Cal-Salmon River, Northern California

When: May 2-4th, 2008. The actual race will be on Saturday, May 3rd. Start time: TBD

Cost: This race is entirely free to participants. Camping is paid for by the organizer as well as the cost of beer and event organization.

Summary: Every May, paddlers converge on the Cal-Salmon to paddle one of the most beautiful rivers in the country. Last year, a kayak / raft / anything that floats race took place on the Nordheimer section of the Cal-Salmon. We had a great turnout with over 10 rafts racing and a handful of kayakers. This year we are expecting even greater numbers as the word about this race has been spreading for the last year. Expected attendance is 100-150+ people.

Fundraiser: This is where I need your help.
On November 9th 2007, Sean Langevin,23, a longtime friend of several paddlers, was ambushed and killed near the eastern border of Afghanistan with his Army Unit. One of 9 killed in that attack, Sean left behind a wife, Jessica, who is expecting their 1st daughter in March of 2008. The hope is that we will be able to solicit enough donations to be able to make a sizeable contribution to Sean’s unborn daughter’s Trust Fund established with Wells Fargo. Raffle tickets will be available throughout the weekend for $1 a piece. 100% of the proceeds will be deposited into the memorial fund. Donations of any size will be greatly appreciated.

Sponsorship Package:
Your company’s logo will appear on the event flier, t-shirt, and post race video. In addition, you will be making a huge difference in someone’s life. For additional information please refer to the contact information listed below. Event Information will be available at: www.Caliproduct.Blogspot.com

To return to the main race page: Click Here

Questions, Comments, Donations? Please Contact:
Paul Gamache
Paulgamache@gmail.com
707.484.8370
16 Valley St #33, Seattle, WA, 98109

Nordheimer Race '08 Sign-up

2007-11-09T17:45:00.000-08:00

Registration is currently disabled please email Paulgamache@gmail.com if you would like to register.

Nordheimer Race '08

2007-11-09T17:08:00.000-08:00

A huge thanks to Darin McQuoid for creating the flier.

Thank You to the band "The Next Shipment" for playing at the festival!

Also a big thanks to Jesse Coombs, Ben Stookesberry, and Rush Sturges for showing their films.

Nordheimer Race 2008

Thanks to Daniel Brasuell of AwetState for not only putting the video together but for all the help with the raffle and MC work.
Total amount raised for Sean's Memorial Fund was $893. Thank You to everyone who made this possible.

Results:

Kayak Long Boat:
1st Place: Dan Menten 40:15
2nd Place: Charlie Center 41:07
3rd Place: Chris Hatton 41:41

Kayak Short Boat:
1st Place: Ben Hawthorne 43:24
2nd Place: Austin Rathman 43:32
3rd Place: Unknown Lime Green 45:52
Email me if you know who 3rd was.

Raft:
1st Place: ORT 46:00
2nd Place: BIGFOOT 48:11
3rd Place: Cali Women 49:29

Cataraft:
1st Place: Tom Hoeck 49:43

Oar Assist:
1st Place: Mike Mcgee 1:04:49

But we all know the real winners of the race were:
For more photos go to: James Mitchell's Photos
He mentioned something about selling pictures so if you're interested you can get a hold of him at: trinityalpsphoto@gmail.com

Last year's race video:

Thanks to Daniel Brasuell and James McLeod for putting last year's video together.

Event Details:

Current Sponsors: Cali-Product, Colorado Kayak Supply, Darin McQuoid Photography, Face Level, Grapevine Apparel, Immersion Research, Information Miner, Kokatat , Meredith Family Vineyards, New Belgium Brewery, Somes Bar Store, American Whitewater and AWetState.

When: May 2-4th, 2008 - Race on May 3rd.

Where: Nordheimer section of the Cal-Salmon.

Cost: As always everything is free. Raffle tickets are $1 each.

Themed Race: There is a Pirates vs Superhero theme to the race. Supervillains are also welcome. Everyone is encouraged to race in their costume, just be sure you'll still float...

Memorial Race Fundraiser ($1 Raffle Tickets): On November 9th 2007, Sean Langevin, 23, a longtime friend of several paddlers, was ambushed and killed near the eastern border of Afghanistan with his Army Unit. One of 9 killed in that attack, Sean left behind a wife, Jessica, who is expecting their 1st daughter, Zoe, in March of 2008. The hope is that we will be able to solicit enough donations to be able to make a sizeable contribution to Sean’s unborn daughter’s Trust Fund established with Wells Fargo. Raffle tickets will be available throughout the weekend for $1 a piece. 100% of the proceeds will be deposited into the memorial fund. So bring some cash cause you could win some pretty cool gear and at the very least you'll be making a huge difference in someone's life.

T-Shirts: Event T-Shirts will be available thanks to Grapevine Apparel and Daniel Brasuell of www.Awetstate.com all weekend for $10. If you would like to buy a t-shirt please register for the race and put down what size you wear. This will help us predict the quanity and sizes to order. 100% of the T-Shirt proceeds will be deposited into the Memorial Fund as well.

Camping: Free camping will be available at "Campground B" at the Nordheimer Campground (Same spot as last year).

Event Schedule:

Friday, May 2nd 2007 - Free party and camping at Nordheimer Campground Site B. Party starts when the first person gets there.

Saturday, May 3rd 2007 - Race time TBD. This is the reason you should register, fill out the space that asks what time you would like the race to start. Please remember everyone will most likely be going big Friday night and won't want to wake up at 8am to race. Mass Start Format.

Post Race Wiffle Ball Game - After the race head back to Campground B for one of the largest and most wild Wiffle Ball games you have ever played.

Saturday Night Festivities - Race and Raffle Winners will be announced. I'm working on getting Live Music, let me know if you can help me out with this at all.

For Information on last year's race: Click Here

CaliBurnFest 07

2007-10-13T17:17:00.000-07:00

Check out the video from this year's race: Click Here

Sponsored by:

2007 Burnt Ranch Gorge Race.
Photo: R.Stocum

The Third Annual Burnt Ranch Race was held on October 13th, 2007. This year there was a return of previous competitors as well a great showing of 1st time racers. In addition to a record number of kayakers there were also 3 raft teams racing down the Gorge for the first time ever. Beginning with a mass start in the rapid above Toilet Bowl, sometimes called "Son of Scrapper", racers battled for position early on.
Dan Menten got off with an early lead which he maintained until the middle of #1. At which point Charlie Center managed to sneak by, dropping the right side of #2 with Dan right on his back.

Photo: R.Stocum
Charlie Center and Dan Menten battling for first place at the finish line.

Congrats to Charlie for winning the 3rd Annual BRG Race!

Dan was awarded a Gortex Drytop courtesy of Kokatat.

Luke Walker won a pair of float bags for swimming without them courtesy of Colorado Kayak Supply.

In the Shortboat Class Todd Baker won in his 1st ever trip down the ranch.

Team Bigfoot, guided by Matt Hogge, won the 1st ever Raft Race Division.

Team Wet had the largest showing bringing 2 rafts for the competition.

Counts for this year estimate participation around 40-50 people, including the 3 rafts.

Thanks again to everyone for attending, as well as Kokatat and Colorado Kayak Supply who supplied prizes free for participants.

In addition thanks to Shaun Walker (Times Standard) and Robin Stocum (Trinity Journal) for taking and suppling photographs of the racers.

Photo: P.Gamache
Ben and Erick working on pulling the strainer out of the lip of "Toliet Bowl". Photo:

Photo: P.Gamache
Testing out the cable cam system the day before the race.

October 13th, 2007 - Race Day

Photo: P.Gamache
Kokatat definitely had a presence at the race.

Photo: P.Gamache
Bigfoot Rafting getting fired up.

Photo: P.Gamache
Mass start underway.

3rd Annual Burnt Ranch Gorge Race Results:

Photo: S.Walker
1st Place: Charlie Center
2nd Place: Dan Menten

Photo: S.Walker
3rd Place: Erick Conklin

Photo: S.Walker
4th Place: Ben Hawthorne

Photo: S.Walker
5th Place: Alex Wolfgram (Winner of 2005 BRG Race)

Photo: S.Walker
6th Place: Ben Wartburg

Photo: S.Walker
7th Place (1st Place Short Boat): Todd Baker - This was Todd's first time ever paddling the Gorge.

Photo: S.Walker
8th Place (2nd Place Short Boat): Rush Sturges
9th Place (3rd Place Short Boat): Chris Zawacki

Photo: S.Walker
10th Place (4th Place Short Boat): David Maurier

RAFT RESULTS (1st Ever Raft Race Down BRG):

Photo: S.Walker
1st Place: Bigfoot Rafting Co. (Guide - Matt Hogge. Paddlers: Joel Escandon, Ryan)

Photo: S.Walker
Photo: S.Walker
2nd Place: WET (Guide: Paul Gamache. Paddlers: Rachel, Simon Wolfegram)

3rd Place: WET (Guide: Alex. Paddlers: Unknown)
Unfortunately, a small dog fell down the cliffs of the gorge about 40' and Shaun missed the picture of the last Wet boat. Stupid Dog. If you really want to hear the story of the tumbling dog ask Rush about it, he seemed pretty horrified from the experience. For those who care the dog was fine.

Finishers and Random Shots:

Photo: S.Walker
Robin Stocum photographing the race.

Photo: S.Walker
Shon Bullock.

Photo: S.Walker
The Burnt Ranch Safety Team getting into position. Matt Porter, Greg Speicher, Dustin Stonner.
Photo: S.Walker
Photo: S.Walker
Luke Walker.

Photo: S.Walker
Lou Jacobson.

Photo: S.Walker
Alex Wolfgram.

Photo: S.Walker
Unknown Finisher.

Photo: S.Walker
Unknown Finisher.

Photo: S.Walker
Daniel Brasuell.

Photo: S.Walker
Conor Ross.

Photo: S.Walker
Wendy, Alex, and Greg.

Photo: S.Walker
Alex Horangic

Photo: S.Walker
Unknown Boater.

Photo: S.Walker
Photo: S.Walker
Greg Speicher

Photo: S.Walker
Everyone did a great job with safety and looking out for one another. Dustin Stonner pulling in a swimmer at the bottom of #2.

Photo: S.Walker
Diane Gaydos.

Photo: S.Walker
Will Parnham.

Photo: S.Walker
Geo.

Photo: S.Walker
Mike Ward.

Photo: S.Walker
Another Burnt Ranch Fan.

Photo: S.Walker
Wendy.

Photo: S.Walker
Martin Belden.

Photo: S.Walker
Paul Fritze.

Photo: S.Walker
Damon Goodman.

Photo: P.Gamache
Team Bigfoot heading towards #3.

Photo: P.Gamache
Showing the way to the post-race party. Thanks again to Rita for the awesome party spot!

Photo: P.Gamache
Paddlers paying current and past dues.

Mixing downriver racing with the explosive progressiveness of ocean big-air kayak surfing, the CaliBurnFest is set to return to the North Coast for the second consecutive year.

Details:

October 13th: Burnt Ranch Gorge. Meet at the Burnt Ranch Falls campground at 11am. Rafts welcomed, any boat over 8’6 will be entered into the long boat category. Safety paddlers, timers, photographers and videographers, are all appreciated.

Race will be in mass start format from above toilet bowl, same as last year. Rafters will start at toilet bowl as well but will raft down in five minute intervals after the kayakers. Bottom hole of number 2, river right, will mark the finish line for both kayakers and rafters.

Free beer and camping will be available at Burnt Ranch Falls Campground Saturday Night.

October 14th: Camel Rock Big Air Comp. Meet at Camel at 2pm. Location may change based upon surf conditions. Divisions include: Big Air Trick, Over the Lip, Raft Ride, and Carnage.

Check out the results video Ben Wartburg put together for last years comp.

Questions, Suggestions, Donations, Contact: Paulgamache@gmail.com

Colorado Runs

2007-09-01T16:16:00.001-07:00

SF Crystal "Devil's Punchbowls"

Eleven Mile Canyon

Homestake Creek

Yule Creek

California Runs

2007-09-01T16:09:00.000-07:00

Middle Fork American (Tunnel Chute)

South Fork American (Chili Bar)

Bluff Creek

Bridge Creek

Upper North Fork Cottonwood

Crapo Creek

Middle Fork Eel (Black Butte to Dos Rios)

Generation Gap

Hardscrable Creek

Mears Creek

Morehouse Creek

Morehouse Creek (Record High Descent)

Lower New River Gorge

MF Smith (Oregon Hole Gorge) @ Flood Stage

Steinacher Falls (Including 1st D-Raft)

Van Duzen

Willow Creek

Cataract Challenge Complete 18 hours!

2007-07-26T20:25:00.000-07:00

For a brief note on the trip and a few pictures check out:

CKS Blog

Thank you all again for your support and donations.

Here's how it works:

Cataract Canyon is a 95 Mile section of the Colorado River between Potash and Lake Powell (Hite Marina). I'm betting that I'll be able to do this section in under 20 Hours. On the 24th of July I plan to leave Potash at 3am and arrive at Hite before 11pm.
Map from the Moab Adventure Center Website.

Here's the deal:

If I don't make it in time I'll donate $10 in your name to American Whitewater.

If I make it within the allotted time then you have to donate to American Whitewater.

Reasons why you should play along.

1. Either way American Whitewater will benefit. Thus we all benefit.
2. I've never done this section so I honestly have no idea if this is possible or not.
3. If I don't make it you effortlessly donate money to AW, costing you nothing.
4. The longest distance I've ever paddled in 1 Day is about 45 miles or so...this would be over twice that.

Donation Commitments Thus Far:

1. Tiff Simpson: $10
2. Joe Carroll: $20
3. Dave Kloberdanz: $10
4. Conor Ross: $10
5. Paul Gamache (I'm even betting I won't be able to do it.): $10
6. Robbie Ringer: $10
7. Drew Oldfield: $10
8. Ryan Hastreiter: $10
9. Paul Hemming: $10
10. Dave Frank: $10
11. Toni Frank: $10
12. Chris Kelly: $25
13. Randy Thompson: $10
14. Christina Warthen Gamache: $10
15. Andrew Gamache: $10
16. Andy Horn: $10
17. Tim Dunning: $10
18. Kyle Bogard: $10
19. Laura Jorgensen: $10
20. Atom Crawford: $25
21. Nadia Almuti: $10
22. Zach Simon: $10
23. Brian Copanas: $10
24. Scott Yoder: $10
25. Glen Egbert: $10
26. Colorado Basin River Forecast Center: $25
27. Ricky McDaniel: $10
28. Earl Richmond: $10
29. Jennifer Waddell: $10
30. Eric Grasser: $10
31. Gus Ghuneim: $10
32. Fred Zacherl: $10
33. Kyle McCutchen: $10
34. Baxter Pharr: $10
35. Norm Cooling: $10
36. Lawrance Simpson: $10
37. Hank the Dog (Drew's Dog): $10
38. Mark Robbins: $20
39. Mark Billingsley: $10
40. Dan Simon: $25
41. Kelly Bacon: $10
42. Chris Hatton: $10
43. Austin Smith: $10
44. Chris Menges: $10
45. Doris and Greg Gamache: $20
46. Kayla Maddox: $10
47. Chad Gorby: $20
48. Alex Horangic: $10
49. Brian Tupper: $10
50. Stacy Johnson: $10
51. Bryan Kelsen: $10
52. Alex Wolfgram: $10
53. Chris Brobin: $10
54. Shawn Hartje and Mary Sackett: $25
55. Greg Didriksen: $10
56. Josh Morris: $10
57. Mike Hagadorn: $10
58. Marianne Boykin: $10
59. Steve Schmitt: $10
60. Lynne Allen: $10
61. Bob Wilkerson: $10
62. Luke Gribick (www.notearsinheaven.com): $25
63. Bob & Gail Corona: $10
64. Mary Schmitt: $10
65. Laura Howe: $10
66. Laura's Dog: $10
67. Christian Figueroa-Tyler: $10
68. David Fetter: $10
69. Orion Meredith: $10
70. Ian Buckley: $25
71. Devon Brecke: $10
72. Ben Hawthorne: $10
73. Heather Gorby: $10
74. Chris Shackleton: $10
75. Josh Tetreault: $10
76. Rush Sturges: $10
77. Young Gun Productions: $10
78. Dustin Stonner: $10
79. Aubrie White: $10
80. Taffe Schmitt, the great canoeing Basset Hound: $10
81. David Jackson: $10
82. Lillian Good: $10
83. Laurie Maciag: $10
84. Leif Anderson: $10
85. Daniel Brasuell: $10
86. Pat and Pat and Miranda McNalley: $25
87. Melissa Verlet: $10
88. Jana Taft: $10
89. Greg Moore: $20
90. Mike Gehard: $10
91. Randolph Green: $10
92. Cactus Jack Anderson: $50
93. Liz Ferrin: $25
94. Adam Cramer: $10
95. Eric Brooks: $10
96. Brian Vogt: $10
97. Tracy Corona: $10
98. Brian Jennings: $10
99. Charlie Center: $10
100. Tyler Bradt: $10
101. Ryan Fair: $10
102. Hut Wade: $10
103. Fil Payne: $10
104. Mark Reed: $10
105. Terra Ganem: $10
106. Mike Fisher: $10
107. Mac Thomson: $10
108. Marjo Curgus: $20
109. Emily McGinty: $10
110. Dave and Debbi LaDue: $20
111. Courtney Gates: $10
112. Zac Quick: $20
113. Lynn Koester: $10
114. Jm Sprouffske: $10
115. Matthew Gross: $10
116. Bob Beers: $10
117. Mike Zimber: $10
118. Tommy Hilleke: $10
119. Teresa Jarmul: $10
120. John Clark: $10
121. Rob Molacek: $10
122. Ann Hopkinson: $10
123. Gary Rempe: $10
124. Dustin Urban: $10
125. Natalie Tilton: $10
126. Mandy Caldon: $10
127. Mike Williams: $10
128. Anne Musick: $10
129. Kelly Lesch: $10
130. Jordan Egan: $10
131. Robin Simms: $10
132. Penelope Cronk: $10
133. Diane Cheshier: $10
134. Andy Chechier: $10
135. Bob & Pam McAdam: $50
136. Robert "Gator" Crump: $10
137. Greg Horton: $25
138. David Dempsey: $10
139. Katie Knobbs: $10

Total so far: $1,710

If you would like to be added to the list and commit to donating in the event I am successful please email me at Paulgamache@gmail.com

Please include your full name and a phone number or contact.

If I am able to complete the challenge you will obligated to donate to American Whitewater.

Directions on Donating:
Click the link below-
American Whitewater Challenge
You'll have to select the $1 bubble.
Next add something in the comment like "AW Cataract Bet" or something so we can see how much total money has been donated from this challenge.
Click the Agree Box.
After that click on the quantity button and change the amount to 10.
Click Add to Cart
After that click checkout and follow the instructions. You may need to create an American Whitewater account if you have never done so.

Thanks for helping out.

Paul Gamache

South Fork Crystal "Devil's Punchbowls"

2007-06-23T11:53:00.000-07:00

Check out the writeup orginally posted on the CKS Site for a description and photos: Click Here

Eleven Mile Canyon

2007-06-22T12:27:00.000-07:00

For the orginal writeup check out the CKS Blog: Click Here

Yule Creek

2007-06-20T13:59:00.000-07:00

Yule Creek is ridiculous. The only advice I have is if you are going to Yule Creek make sure you bring your friends that like to fire shit off.
Although physically possible, this is no place to portage.

Following Demshitz (name the Pyranha guys call themselves...don't ask me) to Yule Creek.

Meeting up with Lawrence Simpson, Jared and Graham Seiler, and Dave Fusilli we rallied to the town of Marble not sure if flows were going to cooperate. Once at the turnout marking our put-in we hiked to the edge of the gorge looking down hoping she went.

Lawrence and Jared.

After setting shuttle, gearing up, and hiking down the hill we were ready to start firing it off.

Lawrence dropping over the 1st rapid below the put-in.

Blue Angel Rapids, scout these all at once from the trail high above while you scout the Bottom 4.

Heading to scout the Bottom 4.

After scouting the 6 drops into the Bottom 4 we headed back to our boats and Blue Angeled the remaining rapids before the Bottom 4. Once the cameras were set up Jared fired off Ball Check into Wall Check. Lawrence went next, then myself, Fusilli, and Graham.

Jared dropping Ball Check, 25' into Wall Check.

Lawrence lining up for Wall Check.

Lawrence grinding the left wall.

Jared filming Wall Check as Graham styles the drop.

Fusilli went next and only the video can truly do his style justice.

After celebrating our clean lines in Wall Check we got out and scouted Oriental Massage from river right. Lawrence was determined to go first and as he hit the kicker in the middle of the drop about 35' down he landed and flipped to his left sliding on his arms and chest for the remainder of the drop. Hitting the hole at the bottom his paddle was blown out his hands and he was forced to hand roll and run Happy Endings with no paddle. He styled it and the rest of us looked at one another not really sure what we had just witnessed.

Almost instantly Jared laid it out. "Well I'll go next". No one was about to stop him and we grabbed our cameras as he headed back to his boat. Hitting the same kicker Jared kept a left brace and was able to stay upright skipping his way towards Happy Endings.

Since I had volunteered to carry the video camera, it was my turn to go next. Climbing back to my boat I was swarmed by the urge to puke on the banks. The size of the massage is massive and while super awesome, a mistake here would be disastrous. Paddling out of the eddy I hugged the left wall and dropped into the left slot. In a moment of clarity I saw the kicker I was trying to hit. All I could think was "Wow I'm going really fast into...." then bam like a rocket I could feel myself flying through the air sideways. After noticable flight time I landed and managed to stay upright by some serious bracing. Eventually, my speed slowed enough for me to able to get my body centered in my boat again. The excitement of flying of the massage is why Happy Endings is so deserving of it's name. Once clear of the final drop I began cheering like I had just won a date with the entire Hawaiian Tropic Swim Team.

Paul hanging on for an Oriental Massage followed by some Happy Endings.

Graham, Oriental Massage.

Heading back to the car.

As we paddled out not one of us could stop cheering. Once at the parking lot a random guy showed up saying he knew Fusilli. Apparentely, his name is "One Time" and he invited us back to have dinner with him. We followed him back to the resturant in Marble and enjoyed some sweet grub.

Beta:

We had about 700 CFS on the Crystal Gauge and found it to be a great flow.

View of Yule Creek from Take-out.

Google Earth view of Yule Creek.

Thanks to Jared for putting together the video below.

Homestake Creek

2007-06-12T15:25:00.000-07:00

"Homestake is a mean little creek that wants to hurt you"
Paul's sentiment after his first trip down.

Having heard of Homestake Creek as the Extreme Race featured in the Teva Mountain Games, Leif and I were eager to see what the hype was about. Upon arriving at Put In I quickly lost all interest in bouncing my way down the creek which was only a trickle at 44 CFS, the race is usually done with about 100 or so. However, Leif seemed super fired up about it since he would be participating in the race in a little less than a week. So instead of running alongside and doing safety I geared up and joined Leif for a jot down the creek.

Geared up and ready to go. Paul Gamache and Leif Anderson. Photo: Conor Ross (Taken during a later trip down Homestake, 98 CFS.)

The early rapids are on the cleanside of junky which makes sense if you've seen the actual junk rapids which lay further downriver.

Leif Anderson scouting the junkier rapids downstream, no wonder this rapid is called "Piece of Shit". Photo: Paul Gamache

Things went well for the first couple drops, we both made it cleanly through the double drops and "Leap of Faith" with no problem and continued on towards "POS".

Leif Anderson and Paul Gamache boofing one of the double drops. Photo: Conor Ross (Taken during a later trip down Homestake, 98 CFS.)

Eddy below the double drops. You can see "Leap of Faith" in the distance. Photo: Conor Ross. (Taken during a later trip down Homestake, 98 CFS.)

Somewhere in the midst of the fun. Photo: Paul Gamache

All in all Homestake is actually a pretty fun creek, bring whatever motocross gear you have though cause you're gonna need it if you F* up.

Paul feeling the Homestake Luvin. Photo: Leif Anderson

Beta:

Put In:

Take the Minturn exit off I-70, you should now be on 24 South. In about 10 miles you'll cross over a large bridge that looks like this:

Continue on and take the first road on your right. Park and the top of the rock pile known as Homestake Creek.

Take Out:

Drive down road next to the creek and take out at the parking lot or continue on and use the Gilman Gorge Take Out.

Flows: 60-250CFS, Leif and I got on it at 44 and 98 CFS but it's much better with more water.

Nordheimer Race Results '07

2007-05-06T21:47:00.000-07:00

Nordheimer Race 2007 Video Results:

Thanks to Daniel Brasuell for putting the video together.

Mark Hodges, Daniel Brasuell, and Becky Bacon early in the race. Photo: Paul Gamache

Diane Gaydos recording the results. Photo: Paul Gamache

Just wanted to say Thank You one more time to everyone who showed up. Thanks to Diane Gaydos and Daniel Brausell for taking pictures at the finish line.

If you know any of the "unknown" paddlers please let me know, it would be nice to put names with the pictures.

The first number is the overall finish followed by the division place finish.

1: 1st Place Long Boat: Dan Menten. Photo: Diane Gaydos

2: 2nd Place Long Boat: Chris Hatten (Owner: Salmon River Outpost "Somes Bar Store" / Thank You: Keg Donation). Photo: Diane Gaydos

3: 3rd Place Long Boat: James. Photo: Diane Gaydos

4: 1st Place (6 Paddlers and Over) Paddle Guide: Oregon Rafting Team. Photo: Diane Gaydos

5: 4th Place Long Boat: Unknown. Photo: Diane Gaydos

6: 2nd Place (6 Paddlers and Over) Paddle Guide: Wilderness Adventures (Roger Lee, etc). Photo: Diane Gaydos

7: 3rd Place Paddle Guide (6 Paddlers and Over) / 1st Place Women's Paddle Guide : The Amazing California Women's Rafting Team. Photo: Diane Gaydos

8: 1st Place Paddle Assist: River Dancers (Sage, Shon Bollock, Devin Knight, Will Hubert). Photo: Diane Gaydos

9: 1st Place (Under 6 Paddlers) Paddle Guide: Bigfoot (Paul Gamache, Mark Hodges, Daniel Brasuell, Becky Bacon). Photo: Diane Gaydos

10: 2nd Place (Under 6 Paddlers) Paddle Guide: Bigfoot (Matt Hogge, Abby Rowley, Ciarra, Joel Escandon, Amon Muller). Photo: Diane Gaydos

11: 1st Place Creek Boat: Unknown. Photo: Diane Gaydos

12: 3rd Place (Under 6 Paddlers) Paddle Guide: AO (Tim Lorig, Austin Love, Sarah, Brice, and Tom). Photo: Diane Gaydos

13: 4th Place (Under 6 Paddlers) Paddle Guide: Wilderness Adventures (Orion Merrideth, Unknown, Emily Merrideth, Unknown). Photo Diane Gaydos

Orion's Boat getting some loving from the wall at the bottom. Photo: Paul Gamache

14: 5th Place (Under 6 Paddlers) Paddle Guide: Wilderness Adventures (Tanner, Unknown, Sarah, Unknown). Photo: Diane Gaydos

Rowdy Crowd Above Freight Train. Photo: Paul Gamache

Crowd at Freight Train. Photo: Paul Gamache

Having a great time on the Salmon. Photo: Diane Gaydos

Non-Racers:

Unknown. Photo: Diane Gaydos

Unknown. Photo: Diane Gaydos

Unknown. Photo: Diane Gaydos

Unknown. Photo: Diane Gaydos

Leif Anderson. Photo: Diane Gaydos

Will Parham. Photo: Diane Gaydos

Diane Gaydos. Photo: Daniel Brasuell

Sea of kayakers below Freight Train. Photo: Paul Gamache

Celebrating @ Brannon Bar. Photo: Paul Gamache

Race Info:

May 4th - 6th will be the first ever race weekend down the Nordheimer Section of the Salmon. The actual race will be May 6th. Meet at Nordheimer Put-in @ 11am. Race divisions will include Kayak Short Boat (anything under 9.0'), Kayak Long Boat (9'0 and longer). Rafts divisions will be Paddle Boat (Guide w/ a guide stick + paddlers), Oar Frame (Solo rafter includes Catarafts), and lastly paddle assist (Oars + Paddlers).

This makes for 5 divisions. The Race goes from Nordheimer to the bottom of Freight Train. Mass Start. Non-race rafters / kayakers encouraged to attend and paddle at their own pace.

More details to follow. Comments, Questions, Beer Donations?

Photographers and/or Media encouraged to document this event. Please email me at paulgamache@gmail.com

The Race is on. Spread the Word.

Hope to see you all there.

Paul Gamache
www.Caliproduct.com

2007 CaliDagger

2007-04-10T18:18:00.000-07:00

Santa Cruz Kayak Surf Festival '07

2007-03-18T21:10:00.000-07:00

Steamer's Lane. Photo: Cara Smith

The Santa Cruz Kayak Surf Festival is the largest gathering in the kayak surf world. A large reason why this event is so popular is due to the allowance of being able to surf Steamer's lane without a surfer in sight. One of the major issues with this event is the judging system which hinders the progression of the freestyle aspect of kayaking. Whitewater boats capable of pulling major aerial moves are ultimately eliminated from finals due to being unable to earn enough points with the existing scoring system. Shon Bollock and I were determined to make finals using whitewater boats and were both stoked to reach finals. Shon made 4th place in Junior's Production Plastic and I scored enough for 4th place in Expert Production Plastic.
For a full list of the results: Click Here

Paul Gamache and Shon Bollock, stoked to make finals. Photo: Cara Smith

Here are some pictures from the Santa Cruz Comp:

Shawn Hartje surfing it up. Photo: Unknown

Rusty Sage. Photo: Paul Gamache

Geoff Jennings happy to be out of the cave. Photo: Cara Smith

Happy St. Patty's Day.

Demany Smith doing an infamous cut-back. Photo: Paul Gamache

Shon Bollock about to be robbed. Photo: Paul Gamache

Paul Gamache conforming to the scoring. Photo: Cara Smith

Dick Wold. Photo: Paul Gamache

Santa Cruz, Cali. Photo: Paul Gamache

Generation Gap

2007-03-13T18:22:00.000-07:00

On our way, sledding to put-in. Photo: Kevin Smith

Please read:
An unknown person accidentally deleted my photos of this run, 49-Bridgeport, and the Bear near Colfax off my camera during the Santa Cruz Kayak Festival. I apologize for the loss and really wish I could have shared them with you. Luckily, Thomas Moore took some photos while on Generation. However, if you read the following trip report you’ll learn that Thomas and I had a slightly different Generation experience. I have made the most of what I have and tried to provide the most accurate Google Earth Mapping of this area and the events which unfolded.

Generation Gap:

My Spring Break started with two days on the SF Yuba paddling 49-Bridge, during the first of which I fell off a cliff and landed 3’ directly on my left knee. This happened while jockeying for a better camera angle of Eric Conklin at Corner Pocket. The next few days my knee swelled substantially and I was determined to not let this injury ruin my Spring Break. After two days on 49-Bridge and a lap down the Bear River. I was focused on finding more difficult trips that were Ultimate Spring Break worthy. I then Headed to Alex Wolfgram’s house to make some gas money and rally some paddling. We spent the next day laying flooring at his house. That night we planned our trip through Generation and assembled a crew. The next morning, Thomas Moore, Eric Christoherson, Mammoth area paddler Kevin Smith, Alex Wolfgram, and myself were putting on our gear at 6am at the China Wall parking lot. Before us was a ~4 hike, 3 of which would be in the snow, and a 22.5 mile paddle through Generation and Giant Gap all in one day.
We had driven as far as we could along Foresthill road and were blocked by a gate and solid snowpack about 2 ½ miles from the Mumford Bar Campground.

Put-in Overview. China Wall where we began hiking is not picutred. Mumford Bar Campground is labled Put-in on the top of the ridge. Google Earth Shot

Getting ready to do some hiking through the snow. Photo: Kevin Smith

Eric enjoying the pre-dawn boat drag. Photo: Thomas Moore

Hiking through the snow, it took us about an hour or so to reach the campground. We turned left, got on the Mumford Bar campground road and began trudging through much deeper / softer snow.
Once off the campground road we turned left once again at an obvious trailhead and continued downhill. We were fortunate to be able to sled our kayaks down the put-in trail and made good time until the trail became steep, forcing us to carry our boats.

Alex rocking the sled. Photo: Kevin Smith

Paul, happy to be carrying again. Photo: Thomas Moore

During this point my knee become increasingly strained and I began having difficulty keeping up with the group. At some point the group switchbacked down the hill and I was unaware we were cutting a switchback and not simply making our way down to the river. While cutting downhill I became enwrapped in tree branches and lost sight of the group. Yelling and blowing my whistle I eventually determined I had become separated from the group. In hindsight, the wiser decision would have been to hike back uphill, relocate the trail and reassess where the group had gone. However, I ended up cutting down to the river. The water was still about 500 vertical below and as I bushwhacked my way downhill found a dry creek that I proceeded to use to avoid further bushwhacking. Unfortunately, this creek became increasing steep and I began having to lower my boat down 5’, then 10', then 20’ foot rock drops. It seemed as though the further I made my way down the creek, the steeper it was becoming.

Overview of Hike-in Situation: Google Earth Shot

The situation I had gotten myself into was becoming increasingly strenuous. About the time both of my thighs became severely cramped forcing me to be unable to walk, let alone rock climb. After a short time I regained the ability to walk and ditched my boat to scout out a way to get down to the water. Finding a more gradual cliff to make my way down, I went back to my boat, abandoned the creek, and continued downhill.
After another half hour or so I was at the water wondering where I was in relation to the rest of the group. I had no way of determining what time of the day it was and was unsure how long it had taken for me to make it to the water in relation to the group. Additionally, I was unsure if I was above or below the rest of the group. I figured I could move faster than the group solo and would be able to catch up with them rather quickly if they were below me.
Eventually, I became increasingly anxious about spending the night on the side of another cliff without a sleeping bag. Consequentially, I decided I had no other option than to put on for Generation Gap solo and pick up some river miles in case I was forced to do the entire stretch solo. At this point I determined I was on my own trip and would just take my time heading down and pace myself accordingly. I would see class IV-V coming and would be able to walk anything I didn’t want to solo. My situation created a personal bonus additive to the classification of the rapids and as a result, paddled class III like it was class IV, IV like V, and then would scout / portage all the real V’s.
The first few miles below my Generation put-in were pretty mellow class II-III with some IV’s mixed in. At one point I came around a left hand bend and saw a tree in the water in the midst of the next rapid. I found an eddy on river right and scouted the rapid and sat around for a while hoping the group would catch up to me.

View of riverwide strainer from downstream. Photo: Kevin Smith

After waiting about an hour. During which I made a rock cairn, an arrow, and wrote my name with sticks. I portaged on the right (the river is blocked by a river wide large tree) and continued down not sure what else to do. If I waited anymore time I would have risked spending the night on the side of the river. I still had at least 6 increasingly difficult miles of Generation to paddle and the entire 14-mile Giant Gap section before I would be at the take-out vehicle.
I put back on and headed down knowing “Dream Gap” must be getting closer. After a while the river become much more dramatic and I knew instantly I was entering Dream Gap. After running the first class IV I eddied out and scouted the next immediate rapid. The river was a congested area on the left, ugly mess in middle, super sweet boof line, then a sieve. Not really wanting to portage the reason we had all dragged ourselves through the snow for so I sat down and began eating a bag of trail mix. My plan was to eat the bag and hope that by the time I was finished with the entire bag the problem would have taken care of its self. About ¾’s of the bag later Thomas and Eric rounded the turn and made their way to the eddy I was in. It’s hard to explain the weight that left my shoulders as soon as they arrived. I was extremely relieved to no longer be trapped in a solo descent. I knew as soon as they made their way into the eddy that my disappearance caused some serious alarm amongst those who made it to put-in.
Thomas and Eric explained to me that they had all made it to put-in and waited for me to show up. The group had hiked about a mile and a half without one person having a clue of where I was. Based on that logic they developed a plan that had Alex and Kevin waiting an hour while Thomas and Eric looked for me while paddling down. After an hour when there was no sight of me Kevin and Alex hiked back up to where the snow started looking for me. This was about the point where I had lost them.
The group dynamic became strained since they were upset I had gotten myself lost, while I was more thinking they had lost me. Regardless of responsibility for the current situation we were once again a team in the midst of the Dream Gap section of the NF American. I ended up running the middle-right mess from a miscommunication in hand signals from Thomas. I was trying to receive clarity on where the right boof line was and he thought I was asking how to run the slot just to the left. As a result I took a completely different line than I had been planning but it went well. The entire rapid is a good length V- that ended in a not too destructive hole at the run out.

Paul in the 2nd Rapid in Dream Gap. Photo: Thomas Moore

Eric same rapid. Photo: Thomas Moore

Eric and Thomas both went through the left channel and had clean lines.

After that rapid is the most difficult rapid on the run. For us it started with a crack on the left followed by an immediate ferry to the other side of the river to avoid being slammed into the rocks in the center line.

Paul scouting the 3rd drop. Photo: Thomas Moore

Eric running crack on the left at the top of the 3rd drop. Photo: Thomas Moore

Below here the river split into two channels one with a good-sized boof on the right and a sweeping left to right bank drop on the left. We all ran left and then bombed the rest of the remaining IV+.

Middle of the 3rd and 4th rapid in Dream Gap. Photo: Kevin Smith

Bottom of the 4th rapid. Photo: Kevin Smith

We kept making our way down and got out at F-14 to take a look. We all portaged and put-in halfway through the drop due to a log which none of us really wanted to deal with.

The log in F-14. Photo: Thomas Moore

Once through we passed the North Fork of the North fork of the American.

NF of the NF of the American is on the left.

Eric and Paul at the NF of the NF Confluence. Photo: Thomas Moore

Not long after we were at the Giant Gap put-in. We took a small break at Green Valley and then continued on.
By 7pm we were at take out about fifteen minutes later our shuttle. Alex’s mom, showed up and we had to explain why her son and another paddler were not there. She took the news well and we waited till the scheduled 8pm departure time and headed back to get our cars from the Put-in road.
After parting ways with Thomas and Eric at China Wall, I made my way back to take-out to wait for Alex and Kevin to appear the next day. They eventually showed up around 1pm and after listening to Alex mouth off about how I made him camp out, we were on our way back to China Wall to pick up Kevin’s Truck.

While I’m not sure this trip was a complete success it certainly wasn’t a failure. Dream Gap is an amazing gorge and completely worth the effort we put in, intentional and accidental.

Eric in a drop before he and Thomas caught up to me. Photo: Thomas Moore

Beta:

Overview of the NF American.

Put-in: Drive east along Foresthill road off I-80 and take Foresthill east until you reach the Mumford Bar Campground. Follow the road and expect to be blocked about 2 miles from the water. That’s if the gate at China Wall is open. If it’s not then you’re stuck hiking from there, add another 2 miles or so.

Take-out: Same Take out as the Giant Gap run. From put-in drive back west along Forresthill Road and take a right on Iowa Hill Rd. Follow this until you reach the water.

Flows: We had about 1,600 and rising on the NF gauge. Giant at this flow was definitely a great time. However, Locomotive is a solid hole and potentially dangerous portage.

Upper North Fork Cottonwood

2007-02-25T14:37:00.000-08:00

Darin McQuiod and Shon Bollock. Photo: Paul Gamache

The day after paddling Mears Creek Shon Bollock and I began searching for something in the Shasta area to venture down. Hearing good word about Upper North Fork Cottonwood we checked flows and decided it was certainly the best thing going. After meeting up with Darin McQuiod, we headed south of Redding towards the small town of Ono. Eventually, we made our way to the takeout bridge, checked the actual flow, and moved the vehicles to avoid the apparent psycho who lives at the house near the takeout bridge.

Shon Bollock checking out the flow @ the take-out bridge. Photo: Paul Gamache

After setting shuttle at the Plantina Grange we made our way towards Put-in. Note of Caution: When unloading boats from the roof take note of the vehicle's antenna. I failed to do so and as a result diminished Shon’s radio frequency range.

Darin McQuiod - Photo: Paul Gamache

The first couple miles of the Upper Section of NF Cotton are mellow, there are some fun drops mixed in but for the most part it’s bump and grind rapids.

Eventually, you’ll come up to a 4-6’ drop that was mellow if you avoid the hole. However, Darin and Shon experienced the stickiness of the drop and may say otherwise.

Paul Gamache from the lip. Photo: Darin McQuiod

Darin, a little farther right then you want to be. Photo: Paul Gamache

Just below the 4-6' falls you'll come to a long crack rapid. Most of the water pushes to the left channel and Shon and Darin both ran that side while I walked around on the right.

Right below this drop is a junky boof which wants to slam you into the left wall.

Shon from the top and Darin from the bottom, watch the left wall on this one. Photo: Paul Gamache

Next comes a junky class IV which looked like more taxation on your boat than it was worth but Shon and Darin gave it a shot anyway.

Shon having fun getting stuck in the junk. Photo: Paul Gamache

After the junk you'll come to a rapid we've named "Shon's Crack" or "Shon's on Crack". Shon ran this drop on an earlier trip and remains the only person to have ever done so. Throwing yourself off this one looks like a bad time and a broken paddle waiting to happen. However, Shon defends the quality of the drop and tried to convice Darin and I to test it out. Everyone portaged on the right this time.

Checking out "Shon's Crack". Photo: Paul Gamache

Shon waving to Darin for some reason. Photo: Paul Gamache

After the portage Jerusalem Creek comes in on the right and almost doubles the flow of the creek.

Not long after you'll get to the money drop on the run. A 15', two option falls. Either take the perfectly clean line on the left or take the "super boof" line on the right. Shon and I tried to sync this one up so that we were both dropping it at the same time but I took to long to get to the lip compared to Shon's fast line on the right.

Shon Bollock on the boof line. Photo: Darin McQuiod

Paul Gamache. Photo: Darin McQuiod

Darin McQuiod from below. Photo: Paul Gamache

After the falls the creek mellows out for a bit. A few miles later you get to the mandatory portage.

The making of Darin McQuiod photography. Photo: Paul Gamache

Darin's shot showing the cave behind the falls. Photo: Darin McQuiod

Once done admiring the drop we hiked a little ways down river and found a nice ledge to seal launch in from.

With a little help from my friend - Shon getting ready to push Darin off the seal launch. Photo: Paul Gamache

Darin gaining some speed. Photo: Paul Gamache

After the seal launch we made our way towards take-out. Shortly after the portage there is a rapid with a log in it. I portaged on the left while Darin and Shon paddled through. From the portage to the bridge is a long way of class II-III. There is one class IV gorge in the mix but other than that it's a pretty tiring paddle that provides little excitement.

We opted to take out on river left and blitz the road as fast as we could to avoid the land owner's grievences.

All in all Upper NF Cottonwood is a great little creek which I would imagine only got better at higher water.

North Fork Cottonwood Take-out. Photo: Paul Gamache

Beta:

For Darin's Writeup: Click Here. CaCreeks Click Here

Take-out: From Redding head South on I-5 exit Gas Point Road once you hit the town of Cottonwood. Drive west along Gas Point Road, make a left on Plantina Road and continue on till you hit the bridge crossing over the NF of Cottonwood Creek. We parked at the Plantina Grange and had no vehicle issues.

Put-in: From the take-out bridge head east along Plantina road shortly after make a left on Rainbow Lake Road. Drive a little ways and turn left on Sunny Hill Road. Continue along Sunny Hill till you reach the creek. You'll known when you're there because you won't be able to drive any further.

Flow: We had about 400 CFS and dropping. This was an alright flow but more water would have been better.

Google Earth Shot:

Mears Creek

2007-02-24T15:21:00.000-08:00

Shon Bollock - Self Portrait

Heading for Mt. Shasta to meet up with Shon Bollock we had high hopes of a great weekend of creeking. However, the temps were low and most drainages were completely locked up. I checked out Slate Creek on the way to Shasta and found it to be at 0’ on the gauge…not exactly the ideal flow, so I continued north. Fortunately, Mears Creek was there for us to get our paddling fix.
Arriving at the take-out for Mears shortly after, we geared up under the bridge to avoid the gently falling snow.
Warning: Drive slowly on the way to put-in, Shon has stories of kayakers who rally this road being threatened by locals with weapons.

We put-in at the gate near the end of Fat Bear Road and were ready for a low water trip down Mears.

Picking up a creek boat in Mt. Shasta...Thanks Darin. Photo: Paul Gamache

Shon Bollock fired up for Mears. Photo: Paul Gamache

Shon barreling down one of the first drops. Photo: Paul Gamache

Paul Gamache running the largest drop on Mears. Photo: Shon Bollock

Shon Bolluck sticking the low water line. Photo: Paul Gamache

Shon seal launching in after the main wood portage. Photo: Paul Gamache

Below this portage there are some small rapid which eventually lead into the "Tunnel of Love". Beware: There are logs blocking the entrance to the tunnel. At low water there is a sneak line under the logs on river right. At higher water it is possible to go over the logs however be weary a pin is highly possible.

After dealing with the logs prepare for one hell of a fun ride. You'll catch some noticable speed as you fly through the tunnel which ends in an auto launch at the exit.

Shon getting some after the Tunnel of Love. Photo: Paul Gamache

Shon paddling down the rapid below the tunnel. Photo: Paul Gamache

Paul in the same rapid. Photo: Shon Bollock

Shon Boofing it out on one of the final drops before the confluence. Photo: Photo Paul Gamache

At the flow we had the confluence rapid was a little junky but still fun. The takeout is the Sims Bridge shortly below.

Snow, Paddling, and Burittos. Day Complete.

Beta:

Take-out: Drive I-5 North from Redding until you reach Sims road exit. Drive towards the river and park just on the otherside of the railroad tracks on river right of the Sacramento River.

Put-in: Turn around and drive back towards the I-5 on ramps. Drive past and continue on till you see Fat Bear Rd / Mears Creek Rd (signage says both). Drive up Fat Bear until you reach a gate or continue on upriver if you are so inclined.

Google Earth Shot:

Check out Darin Mcquoid's write up on Mears at:
http://darinm.blogspot.com/2005/08/mears-creek-this-little-beauty-runs.html

Willow Creek

2007-02-23T14:17:00.000-08:00

Willow Creek is the after-school creeking special for those of us that call Arcata home. Put-in can be reached within 30-40 minutes once out of Arcata and is definitely worth the $5 in gas. The main run everyone does is known as “Carhood”, named after the most intimidating rapid on this section. Below this 1.5-mile section of class V creeking is the V+ ¾ mile “forbidden section”, followed by the lower Boise Creek section.
This latest sprint down Willow Creek came to be as I was walking out of my thrilling business statistics class. Chris Zawacki was driving by on his way to meet up with Leif Anderson and Dan Menten for a little afternoon creeking. Meeting up at Chris’s we got on our way after Leif used his skills as a professional car-thief to open my car after I locked my keys inside.

Leif Anderson practicing his car-jacking skills. Photo: Paul Gamache

We arrived at Put-in soon after and were instantly basking in the glory of the Willow Creek sun.

Gearing up for a run down the Willow. Photo: Paul Gamache

Dan Menten rocking Leif's helmet-cam. Photo: Paul Gamache

After equipping “New School” Dan with Leif’s helmet-cam we made our way down to the water. Blessed to be in a group of paddlers who know this section like the bottom of a PBR, we were able to fly through the run in about 20-30 minutes.

The rapid below put-in is a pretty mellow class IV followed by the fun boof known as “Pyramid Rock”. Shortly below is “Carhood”. Eddy out on the right to scout / portage. Dan Menton took a quick look and then bombed the normal portage was we watched from river right. Watching Dan style the drop I figured I might was well give it a shot today and made my way back to my boat. Best advice for this one is paddle to the eddy on river left upriver of the portage eddy on the right. Once in this eddy, wait till you’re far enough past the right wall to begin charging with a left to right angle. I was surprised how quickly the hood of the car came at me and went a little deep off the hole at the bottom. Coming up against the rocks below the drop on the right, I was able to maneuver around and clear the rapid. In all honesty this rapid looks worse than it is and I believe most people portage it simply because it is such a normal and easy portage to do. Give it a look before you determine you’re walking cause it’s actually a pretty fun drop.

Dan Menten in the midst of Carhoood. Photo: Paul Gamache

Once past Carhood is another fun drop known as Eraserface. The normal line is to run the lead in along the left wall then either catch the eddy before the main drop or paddle off with a right to left angle over the top of the boof rock. FYI, it’s called Eraserface because if you botch the right to left you end up getting launched right and the rock that’s coming at you will let you know exactly why this rapid has this name.
Next is Lambada, which I guess used to be a whole lot cooler back in the day and involved, ducking under a log and then instantly boofing a 6’ drop. Due to rock movement the rapid is now run down the right then back to center to right to avoid sieves and logs.
“White Trash” comes next and is the best rapid on the North Coast...well not really it’s kind of hit and miss. You’re either going to slam into rocks or sticks on river right or you’re going to clean it and be fine. For some reason this rapid is always either or and I’m pretty sure the rocks actually come out of nowhere and hit you on this one. I’m sure there’s some method to this madness; try staying (center?)...I really have no idea, which is finely demonstrated in the video I’ve linked below.
Finally, is the take-out boof, which is awesome. However, a rock is somewhere in the landing zone so be sure to get your nose up or comment on here where exactly it is cause I’ve chosen to forget about it.
Below the drop, take-out from the eddy on the right or continue on your way through the much-loved Forbidden Section.

Special Thanks to Leif Anderson of Sweet Bunion Productions for putting together the following video documenting the different sections of Willow Creek.

For Leif’s write-up for Fluid on Willow Creek check out: www.Justfluid.com

Van Duzen

2007-02-21T21:50:00.000-08:00

Even the bobble-head Budda is excited about the Van Duzen.

Most of the year the Grizzly Park section of the Van Duzen is nothing more than a mellow class II float. However, when flows are above 4,000 CFS this section turns into a big water playground.
Only 3 miles long, one can do lap after lap on this section until their face turns blue. The best flows exist between 8,000-16,000 CFS. The following run was between 5,000 CFS and 8,000 CFS.

Rain in Humboldt County had been non-stop for the last week and most of the drainage ditches and sides of the roads were flooded with water. The choice of where to paddle was obvious, so Leif Anderson and I headed to the Van Duzen.

Arriving at Put-in Leif and I paddled down attempting to photograph the run as well as surf waves on the fly.

Leif Anderson takes a photo of Paul Gamache as we head through the Van Duzen Gorge.

We managed to find several good waves / holes, the best of which was located just above take-out on river left. Once at take-out we started hiking back towards put-in to try and get another run in before dark. Not more than 10 minutes had passed when a truck headed the other direction went by. I stuck out my thumb jokingly attempting to hitch a ride. To our amazement the driver (a local school teacher) flipped around, picked us up, and drove us back to put-in.

Leif Anderson fired up about the ride.

Leif Anderson deep in the Van Duzen Gorge - Photo: Paul Gamache

Leif Anderson completing a kickflip - Photo: Paul Gamache

The second time down we knew where most of the good waves were and tried to spend most of our time at these spots.

A "catch on the fly" wave. - Photo: Paul Gamache

Just as we arrived at the final and best surf hole, we spotted Christian driving along the 36. While Leif continued surfing Christian and I went for another lap through the Duzen Gorge.

Leif Anderson digs in for a loop at the best spot on the run. Photo: Paul Gamache

Beta:

Take-out: The reason I mention take-out first is because it’s easier to explain how to find put-in from the take-out location. From Hwy 101 near Fortuna take Hwy 36 West. Drive through the town of Hydesville and Carlotta continue along Hwy 36 for about 10 miles until you see a boat ramp leading down to the river.

A view of take-out and the swollen river bank.

Put-in: From Take-out drive up river about 3 miles and will see a turn-out just before a sharp right hand turn. Park here and hike 25 yards down to the river.

Middle Fork (Black Butte to Dos Rios)

2007-02-18T19:32:00.000-08:00

Disclaimer: Somehow in my infinite wisdom I managed to delete all photos of this section from my camera and computer.
Guess you’ll just have to paddle it yourself…

The Middle Fork of the Eel from Black Butte to Dos Rios is 27 miles of absolute flatwater and 5 miles of class III-IV. Unable to convince anyone else to paddle this section with me, I set out solo. Arriving at Dos Rios around 10:30am I began unloading my gear. Within minutes a truck drove by and picked me up with my boat and headed to the edge of the town of Covelo. This first ride was provided by the assistant pastor for the Church in Covelo. In another 5-10 minutes another truck picked me up with my boat and drove me the rest of the way to the Black Butte Guard Station. The driver told me all about how a local had shot up his car with a shotgun and how worthless the police were in the area. Once at Black Butte I hiked down to the river and along the way I found $40 in the middle of the road, so far this run was going pretty well...
The flatwater on this run seems to go forever. I remember one gorge that was barley class III then another near the end of the run that was IV-. Coal Mine Falls marks the entrance to the last gorge and the rapids that follow are pretty entertaining.
In total the run took me 4 hours from put-in to take-out with just 1,200 CFS, this was managed by no breaks, no scouts, and no portages. If I were to do this run again it would be at much higher water or with a raft equiped with a keg.

Beta:

Put-in: To reach Put-in take the 162 exit just north of Willits along Hwy 101. Drive along this road just short of forever. Once you reach the town of Covelo follow the signs for Hwy 162. Near the end of town you'll make a right to stay on 162 aka Mendocino Pass Road. Drive another 8-10 miles until you cross a bridge. Park at the market there and hike just upriver of the bridge for a trail down to the river.

Take-out: Drive back along 162 through Covelo and back towards Hwy 101. Near the town of Dos Rios you will cross a bridge. Park just upriver (MF Eel side) of the bridge. Best way to go is to meet at take-out. Load up into one vehicle and drive to put-in.

Middle Fork American (Tunnel Chute)

2007-02-04T18:15:00.000-08:00

Paul Gamache in the tunnel below Tunnel Chute Rapid - Photo: Ben Wartburg

After a day of paddling the South Fork the crew headed back to Alex Wolfgram’s parents house (currently under construction) in the town of Foresthill. That night, Alex tested the flammability of his parent’s new house.

Bonfire at Alex's House - Photo: Paul Gamache

The next morning we enjoyed views of the Middle Fork American and the choice of where to paddle the next day was obvious.

View of the Middle Fork American - Photo: Paul Gamache

Arriving at Put-in around 9:30am there was a noticeable release of flow from the dam. Once Ben Wartburg arrived we were ready to head down the Middle Fork. The first couple of miles are fun class III’s with not much of note.

Once at Tunnel Chute we got out to take pictures. The Tunnel Chute rapid is a pretty amazing sight. The rapid is more or less a sliding class IV into a drop with a hole. Once through the rapid the river is diverted into a giant tunnel that was blasted through the mountain.

Ben Wartburg Tunnel Chute Rapid - Photo: Paul Gamache

We all ran the main chute down the middle. Unfortunately, Christian flipped right above the final drop and proceeded to run the remainder of the rapid upside-down. He said he hit his head on a couple rocks and pulled his skirt. His swim was uneventful and got back in his boat just on the other side of the tunnel.
>
Christian testing the water depth below Tunnel Chute - Photo: Ben Wartburg

After Tunnel Chute, rapids are mostly class III for 3 miles

Christian in the midst of Kanaka Falls - Photo: Paul Gamache

...and then it’s 9 miles of flat-water.

Somewhere near the middle of the flat-water we pulled over at a structure on river right. Just upriver of this structure exists an amazing 100yard side hike along a creek.

We continued on our way since this section is scheduled dam release and didn't want to have the water drop out on us. Unfortunately, we must have paddled too fast since we arrived at the rapid above Ruck-A-Chucky we realized we had beaten the water to this point.

No rebar in sight. Ruck-A-Chucky at low water. Photo: Ben Wartburg

The remainder of the run was low water class III-IV.

Christian paying dues. Photo: Paul Gamache

South Fork American (Chili Bar)

2007-02-03T16:14:00.000-08:00

Desperate for somewhere to paddle after an the extremely dry month of January, Shon Bullock, Christian Figueroa-Tyler, and myself headed for the American River Drainage. Leaving at 10pm from Arcata, Christian and I met up with Shon in Redding. After repacking our gear into Shon’s car we headed south. Arriving at Camp Lotus at 4am we passed out in the field where the Camp Lotus directional sign is located.
Around 9am Charlie Center woke us up and let us know of our camping location error. Later that day we paddled the South Fork of the American from Chili Bar to Camp Lotus. Since almost everyone and their Mom has paddled this section I’ll spare the run description and just include some pictures from the day.

Chili Bar Put-in.

First Threat - Photos by Christian Figueroa-Tyler

Alex Horangic

Alex Wolfgram

Jim? - Attempting to take a photo while surfing.

Charlie Center

Paul Gamache

Shon Bullock

Lower New River Gorge

2007-01-03T14:09:00.000-08:00

After being denied from a 1st Descent on the Klamath drainage due to snow, Paul Gamache and Ben Hawthorne headed to the Lower New River Gorge. Ben had paddled the Lower New before around 900 CFS, this was Paul’s first time down.
We arrived at the Panther Flat put-in around noon and discovered the river to be higher than the “normal” run-able flows.

Paul Gamache @ Put-in.

We estimated the flow was at least 1,500-1,800 CFS but no more than 2,000 CFS. Most of the easy warm-up miles were now class III wave trains with pushy eddies. By the time we arrived at the first class IV we discovered we were indeed embarking on a high water descent. We ended up portaging most of the class IV’s, now class V’s with severe consequences, due to the normal lines containing enormous backed-up recirculating holes.

Ended up portaging this rapid due to the backed-up hole and consequences of a swim.

Any sneak lines were a mess of rock jumbles and would have been more of a rock bashing then fun. After portaging many of the rapids below Byoff Road we continued downriver towards the mile and a half class V gorge for which the Lower New is famous.

Downriver of rapid pictured above.

Upon reaching the regularly portaged rapid we quickly portaged around on river left and were faced with another challenge.

Normal Portage rapid at High Water.

Usually the rapid below the portage is an unportagable unscoutable rapid, which is run on river left. However, not sure of the flow and unable to scout we attempted to hike up and around the rapid since the size of the hole on the other side of the drop may have been enormous due to the high water. With our boats we climbed the cliff on river left in an attempted to gain access below the blind rapid. We quickly discovered that regaining access to the river would have involved descending a near vertical cliff. The time was now around 3:30 and dark would be upon us in little more than an hour and a half. Ultimately, we decided it would be much faster climbing the cliff without boats. Stashing the boats against trees we both knew chances of finding, let alone wanting to hike back in were very slim.

Leaving the boats not sure if we'd ever see them again.

Not soon after leaving the boats a dry bag clipped to Paul’s lifejacket managed to unclip itself and began bouncing down the cliff. Not wanting to climb down to get the bag we continued on, resulting in a loss of duct tape and our only first aid kit. We made good time hiking without the boats and approached the confluence of the New and Trinity just as dusk set in. Our elevation was equal to that of the 299 on the other side of the Trinity, roughly 1,000’ above the river. We reassessed our situation. On our right was a sheer cliff leading back down into the New’s confluence with the Trinity. Ahead of us was cliffs leading down to Burnt Ranch Gorge. To the left was a long 6-mile hike along cliffs to the nearest bridge at Cedar flat. Consequently, we had no other choice than to endure an unplanned night along the cliffs of Burnt Ranch. Temps were already in the 40’s and the only gear we had was a half bottle of water, beef jerky, and wet kayaking gear. A fire was not possible due to the danger of scaling the cliffs at night looking for dry wood, that and we didn’t have a lighter or matches with us. Ben quickly decided due to previous experience on an unplanned campout along Upper Goose creek that the best thing for him to do was to ring out all of his layers in an attempt to dry some of his gear before night came. Worried of hypothermia Ben rang out the only gear he had; a drytop with a blown neck gasket, 3 layers of fleece, and his mom’s exercise pants, which was his only warmth for his bottom half. As night fell upon us the temperature quickly dropped and we found ourselves shivering uncontrollably. We did what proud men would do and cuddled for warmth. As we cuddled we laughed at the situation we had gotten ourselves into. We could see cars going by but for us they were as far away as the moon. During the night temperatures continued to drop and at one point snow began to fall. As we cuddled for warmth our bodies would quickly loose temperature and we would have to stand and jog in place on the side of the cliff in an attempt to re-warm ourselves. Usually this resulted in uncontrollable full body shivers that warmed us more than the jogging did. Sometime during the night, Paul in attempt to improve the camping situation along the cliff moved a rock he was sitting on. Apparently, this rock was the stabilization point for the rock pile we were leaning against. As one rock moved so did another. Immediately after the first rock movement Paul and Ben lunged out of the way as a 60-80 lb boulder rolled down where they were sitting. After chundering the heavy rock down the cliff the two went back to cuddling weary of more rocks falling on their heads. Around three or four in the morning another element of weather hit us, this time in the form of a temporary rain shower. The night passed gruelingly slow and neither one of us slept for than an hour or two total. At the first hint of light we began to piece our plan together. We knew the New had to have dropped somewhat overnight and hoped it was at more of a controllable flow. About 20 minutes after first light we left and headed back up the New River to locate our boats. Not wanting to pass the boats the duo tried to retrace their steps along the cliffs. After about 45 minutes of hiking we came across the drybag, which Paul had lost the evening before. From there we were able to position ourselves in relation to the boats and not long after saw them resting on the side of the cliff about 50 yards uphill.

A needle in a haystack...if you look closely you can see the boats near the center of the picture.

Once back at the boats we descended back down the cliff into the gorge where we had first hiked out. In doing so we took a quick scout of the unportageable rapid and determined we could run the drop on river right now that we knew what the other side of the drop looked like. We now had two options; put back on and commit to the gorge uncertain of what the remaining rapids would look like or hike our way back up the new with boats and takeout at Byoff Road. Since hiking out would have absolutely horrendous we decided to put back on and descend through the gorge. Ben went first through the unportagable rapid and disappeared boofing over the lip. All Paul could see was Ben disappearing over the edge and after 10-15 seconds reappear a distance below the rapid attempting to roll. Ben later said that he went over the drop and flipped. He then rolled up and was then flipped over again in a series of holes below the drop. As Paul sat by himself he had no choice but to flow Ben’s line through the drop. As he put on his sprayskirt he fought off nerves not really sure of what the drop would entail after seeing his buddy having somewhat difficulty a distance below the drop. As Paul boofed the lip he was flipped on a curler coming off the right wall. Instantly hitting his head on a rock, luckily he suffered little more than a bump on his forehead. Rolling up he paddled over to meet Ben in the eddy.

View of unportagable rapid from below. The river right line which we ran is usually unrunnable at lower flows.

The two were now committed to the gorge. The continuous nature of the high water descent resulted in almost no slack water between the continuous Class V rapids making up the final mile and a half into the Trinity. The danger of having only two people with outside temps in the 40’s and water temp near or below that resulted in any swim being extremely life threatening. As the two battled their way down the gorge the makeup of the rapids consisted of large pushy holes almost everywhere with little time to eddy out before entering into the next rapid. At one point the pair reached one of the larger rapids, which had a V-shaped hole leading into an exploding whitewater rapid which had several very large intimating holes. Confident he could make it through the rapid without swimming Paul went first. He fought his way through the rapid to stay online running the right side of the drop. Upon entering the middle of the rapid where the largest of the holes was he was thrown like a top into the air and managed to straighten out just in time to hit the bottom hole marking the end of the rapid. As he hit the hole at the bottom he flipped and rolled up just in time to paddle his way over to a small micro eddy on river right barely avoiding entering the next rapid. As he sat in the eddy he was unable to see Ben’s whereabouts and after a considerable amount of time he became worried of what had become of him. Eventually, Ben appeared and caught the eddy that Paul was in. Ben had managed to find a seal launch on river left along the rocks and avoided running the V+ rapid that Paul had fought through. The pair now sat in a micro eddy on river right unable to scout the next rapid due to the sheer vertical cliffs. An eddy existed on river left and Paul attempted to paddle across the fast moving river to catch the eddy but was unable. He was now headed blindly into the next rapid. He quickly found a line through the holes on river left and made his way down to the rapid below. Ben followed and met Paul in the eddy. After running an easy class IV they eddied out once again on river left above the 10’ ledge drop, which is usually a fun clean drop. The rapid now appeared to be a mess of whitewater with the boof line over the 10’ turning into a nasty recirculating hole.

10' ledge rapid looking pretty ugly.

An easy portage existed on river left so the team opted to walk around and put back in, having only the confluence rapid left to paddle. Paul had heard from Ben Wartburg earlier that week that this section is usually extremely fun class IV(+). Again at the flow we had, the nature of the final rapids was class V with churning holes and ugly eddy lines. Ben went first and probed the final rapids. The 2nd to last drop was run on river right and was a large tongue of water with a curling hole on the left side. Running the tongue the pair continued down the New and hit hole after hole until the final drop into the Trinity, which in itself contained a river wide hole that spit you into the high water of the Trinity. Exhausted and relieved to be through the gorge Paul and Ben paddled towards Gray’s falls thankful that neither one of them had gotten beat by any holes or much worse, taken a swim.

Gray's Falls

Beta:

Flow: (III-IV+): 500-1,000 CFS
(IV-V): 800-1,200 CFS

Put-in: Panther Creek (1,110 ft)
To reach put-in drive along 299 from Arcata until you reach the town of Hawkins Bar. Just before the Simon Legrees Bar there will be a road on the left leading towards the town of Denny. Drive 14 miles along this road until you see a small dirt road on your right leading down towards the river.

Take-out: Use either Gray's Falls or Hawkins Bar Bridge.

Hardscrabble Creek

2006-12-21T22:31:00.000-08:00

Dan Menten in the 1st Gorge followed by Chris Zawacki. Photo: Alex Wolfgram

After a week of heavy rain the North Coast was completely saturated. The Smith was at 60,000 CFS and the following day Alex Wolfgram (celebrating his 24th Birthday),Billie Prosser, Chris Zawacki, Dan Menten, and Paul Gamache headed for Hardscrabble Creek.

Alex Wolfgram - Happy 24th. Photo: Dan Menten

Billie Prosser. Photo: Dan Menten

Chris Zawacki. Photo: Dan Menten

Hardscrabble is a tributary to the Middle Fork of the Smith with its confluence being just upriver of the put-in for the Oregon Hole Gorge. By the time the team had arrived at Low Divide Road, Hardscrabble’s Put-in, it was almost noon. The Smith started dropping out and current flows were about 30,000 at JED. Once geared up the group started the ½ mile hike along the creek. The hike-in is relatively simple; carry your boat along the road until it looks run-able.

A view from put-in. Photo: Dan Menten

It is important to mention that like any creek on the North Coast, logs are a very real and present danger. Be alert and aware; never assume any drop is clean.
Once on the creek the section before the 1st gorge is fairly boney. While not extremely dangerous or challenging a horizontal pin is possible so make sure not to space out too much early on. After bumping and grinding our way down we soon reached the 1st gorge and got out to scout. If you eddy out on river left and hike up the hill about 30 yards you can reach an access road. Below is a shot from the access road of the 1st gorge Menten took using Chris’s camera.

Alex Wolfgram in the midst of the 1st Gorge. Photo: Dan Menten

Paul Gamache runs the main drop in the 1st Gorge. Photo: Dan Menten

Shortly after the first gorge several tributaries flow into hardscrabble, doubling, then tripling the flow. After some easy water there is a boulder garden type rapid which we ran on the right. A noticeable landslide on the left marks this rapid. Somewhere in this boulder garden Alex suffered a 3’’ crack in the bottom of his Jefe.
This crack will provide for some excitement later on.
Once through the boulder garden look for a bend into a horizon line. This is an 8’ drop that has a somewhat sticky hole at the base. There is enough room in the eddy on the right for your group to get out, relax, and scout the entrance. The falls is very difficult to scout but one can climb / crawl their way along the left bank for a quick look of the "Safety Sesh" drop. Beware of poison oak. If you’re so inclined this falls is pretty good for freewheel practice. However, you only get one shot at it since carrying your boat back up would be more effort than it’s worth.

Billie Prosser drops in on a "Safety Sesh" Photo - Chris Zawacki

Dan Menten winds up a blurry freewheel. Photo: Chris Zawacki

Paul Gamache. Photo: Chris Zawacki

Less than a mile later is another memorable rapid. Eddy out on the left when you see logs on river right. Scout and run on river left, boof left.
After the boof get ready to eddy out on the right once you see the next sizeable drop.
This drop, which we’ve dubbed “Judo Log Roll”, AKA “Amputator” is a rapid that Alex will remember for the rest of his life. The presence of a large log straight across the middle of the drop makes this rapid a mandatory portage. Alex missed the last eddy on the right due to a “substantial amount of water” in his boat caused by the crack. Upon entering the drop a curler caused him to flip over. He then floated into the log upside down. Once against the log his stern caught water going over the log and he was vertically pinned facing upstream. Using his ninja skills he pulled his skirt and attempted to climb out of his boat and over the log. He managed to clear his entire body free of his boat except for his right leg. Due to a shifting of weight and water the boat then sunk down. The result was Alex being repined. Except this time it was his body pinned against the boat, which was horizontally pinned against the log. His head was just barely below the surface of the water. Eventually, Alex was able to free his leg from the pinned boat and was swept underneath the log. His boat cleared soon after. Once on shore Alex explained what had happened and how he thought his leg was going to be ripped from his body.
After a much-needed break for Alex to calm his nerves we continued on. Portage J.L.R on the right, which involves a 6-8’ seal launch. Once back in the water be prepared for the next portage. Look for a subtle corner, which will lead into another series of death logs. Portage on the right and begin the most difficult portage on the run. There is a trail, which provides access along the steep slope. Portage down the trail about 100 yards or so. You will be pretty high above the creek at this point and should be looking for a ledge below the logjam to which you can lower boats down. Again our friend poison oak is heavily present. Once on the slab it is an exciting and thrilling 15’-20’ sliding / skipping seal launch down to the water. If you wanted you could carry downstream a little further and avoid the seal launch. After the launch you will come to a 7’ boof, which Menten named the “Gorge Boof”. Boof right.

Paul Gamache clearing the "Gorge Boof". Photo: Dan Menten

Following the Gorge Boof look for an overhanging log. This marks a rapid we’ve named “Billie’s Goat” after Billie’s excitement in this rapid. At lower water this rapid must be portaged on the left due to a log across most of the left channel. Fortunately, at the flow we had there was enough water going over the top allowing us to run the lead-in on the left and then boof the log. The rapid is scout-able on the left. However, the exit of the rapid is blind from the top. Portaging would be easier on the right. Once we all roughly knew what the line was we made our way through Billie’s Goat. Just before the over-pouring log boof Billie flipped over and headed into the log pour-over upside-down. Amazingly, she rolled up just before the log, boofed out and landed in the swirling water just on the other side of the boof. Billie then caught her edge and flipped. As she floated through the exit of Billie’s Goat she tried several rolls. However, the next Class V, which she happened to be bobbing through, provided little ease as she attempted in vain to roll. Eventually, she swam out of her boat and almost instantly her boat caught on a rock, which stopped her downstream progression.

Alex Wolfgram in the middle of Billie's Goat. Photo: Dan Menten

Chris Zawacki. Photo: Dan Menten

For the next half mile the creek is a really fun Class V boulder garden.
Once through the boulder garden the creek mellows out and turns to class III in nature for the remaining mile or so to takeout. Be on guard though, apparently somewhere during this Class III Alex paddled into a 2’ boof with a good re-circulating hole. Once again being full of water he was unable to paddle out of the hole and swam. Fortunately, he was only in 3’ of water and stood up and pulled his boat to shore. We’ve named this section with hole the “Birthday Rapid”.

As we arrived at the takeout bridge along Hwy 199 we were glad to be off the creek since dusk was upon us and the temperature was quickly dropping. There was just one more thing to take care off before we called the day complete.

Tradition - Billie Prosser and Alex Wolfgram. Photo: Dan Menten

That night Alex celebrated his 24th birthday under the Madrona Bridge on the Smith River.

Beta:

Flow: Hardscrabble is only run-able after several days of heavy rainstorm. We estimated we had about 350-400cfs at take-out. There is a gauge on Hardscrabble located on river right. To get to the gauge from the parking lot there is an access road that you can hike up. The gauge is located about 100 yards up the creek and there is a trail coming off the access road that you can use to get down to the gauge. The gauge read 3.5 when we were there. Hardscrabble is run-able at lower flows but changes in character from a sweet super fun creek into an arduous bump and grind log ridden creek.

Gradient: According to: cacreeks.com/smith-m.htm - 150, 210, 170, 190, and 165 fpm.

Put-in: After dropping a vehicle at take-out continue east on Hwy 199. You will see a road marked 17n49 on the left soon after. Take this road (same road for the North Fork of the Smith put-in) continue along the North Fork road for a ways. Eventually, you will reach an obvious junction in the road this is Low Divide Road. Make a left and go about 50 yards. You will see a gate on the left. Park outside of the gate and get ready for one of the best creeks in the Smith drainage.
Take-out: From Hiouchi drive east along Hwy 199 until you see Hardscrabble come in on the left. There is a bridge here with a sign saying “Hardscrabble Creek” Use the turn out just before the creek for parking. If you reach Patrick’s Creek you’ve gone too far. If you can’t find the creek you probably shouldn’t be doing Hardscrabble.

Google Earth Screenshot:

GPS Locations:
Put-in:
41”51’52.05” W 124”00’42.39”W
Take-out:
41”50’21.07” N 124”01’35.86” W

Run Descriptions, pictures, and complete chaos coming soon...

2006-12-16T20:49:00.000-08:00

Morehouse Creek (Record High Descent)

2005-12-23T16:13:00.000-08:00

I orginally posted this story on the Oregon Kayaking site.

To check out the full story: Click Here

Special thanks to Jason Rackley of Oregonkayaking.net for hosting this one.

MF Smith (Oregon Hole Gorge) - Flood Stage

2004-12-09T16:04:00.000-08:00

I orginally posted this story on the Oregon Kayaking site.

Check out the full trip report: Click Here

Special thanks to Jason Rackley of Oregonkayaking.net for hosting this one.

Steinacher Creek

2000-01-01T17:54:00.000-08:00

Additional Google Earth Paddling Resources Available @ www.awetstate.com

1st D - Raft: Paul Gamache & Alex Wolfgram.

Stienacher creek is a fairly large creek that is a tributary to Wooley creek. To get there, hike up the closed off road that runs along Wooley creek. After around 1 mile, you start dropping down into a valley, this is Stienacher creek. The trail is very easy, and it drops you right to the creek. From there you have about a half mile of fun granite rapids until you reach the falls. You will know when you get there, you can scout on the left hand side. The falls is around 25 feet, it is not vertical, but more of a slide. It is not worth doing this creek if you don't want to run the falls. The falls drops you right into wooley creek, which you can paddle down to the bridge and hike back to your cars. When the Cal Salmon is flowing good (4.5 and up), Stienacher is most likely flowing. If you do not know how to get to Wooley creek, consult Lars's Best Whitewater in California book.
-CALIPRODUCT

Charlie -Steinacher Clip

Merlin - Steinacher Clip

Bridge Creek

2000-01-01T17:43:00.000-08:00

Additional Google Earth Paddling Resources Available @ www.awetstate.com

The lower section of Bridge Creek was run for the first time in 2000 by the Knapp's. Since then this section has become, if not the most popular, the most talked about creek-run in the North Coast region. Bridge Creek flows out of the Marble Mountains and drops into Wooley Creek on its West bank about 9 miles upstream from the confluence with the Salmon. In doing so, both Bridge and Wooley Creek flow through some of the most beautiful untouched forest in the world. Bridge Creek runs very near, and parallel to, the Marble Mountain Wilderness boundary; so close in fact that, once you descend into the drainage your surroundings are virtually indistinguishable from their officially wilderness counterparts. The Marble Mountain Wilderness was established in 1953, making it one of California's earliest. One of the first advocates (with clout) for the preservation of this remarkable area was President Hoover, who had a camp built several miles up Wooley Creek which is accessible only by trail.

The run starts out with a 2.5 mile hike, 1.5 of which is on decommissioned Forest Service road, and 1 last mile that is a 2000 vertical foot bush whacking descent. It has been done in 45minutes but, depending on the size of your group, plan for at least an hour and a half of fun. The put in is just about the perfect place to relax and get a snack in before embarking upon the creek. It is a bedrock pool/slide section that is surrounded by 6 foot in diameter Fir trees, one of the best places ever on a warm spring day.

The creek itself starts out pretty manky. There is a lot or scraping and a few log portages before you get to any significant drop. In fact a lot of the "in between stuff" is of this nature there is a lot of technical route finding, it keeps you in your toes, literally if you space out for a second you will broach; I love it, many people hate it. Again, like most creeks on this area there is a lot of gradient (around 400 ft/mi) and enough wood to build your dream home in Catanoochalatawaga.

Once you get to the first set of drops you see why Bridge Creek has such a great reputation. There are over 20 super high quality bedrock drops along the 3 mile lower section most of which are clean. There are a few must-runners, and one very interesting portage that takes some time (this drop that you portage around is a very dangerous log jam that comes just after a fairly benign looking right hand turn, another good reason to scout if it is your first time down.) The run can be done in a relatively short amount of time, but personal first descenders should allow at least an hour per mile along Bridge Creek.

Once you hit Wooley Creek you will A: feel like your on a river the is the size of the Colorado, B: make much better time. The entire 9 miles of Wooley is world class read and run class IV+. It has very similar characteristics to the Salmon (go figure) and drops through several distinct gorges. This section can be run in around an hour with a good team.

The optimal level for Bridge Creek is still out for debate. My favorite level is around 4.5 ft. on the Salmon River gauge. Some people claim that it is great at 6 ft; one of the things you have to worry about as the water gets high is that the gorges along Wooley Creek can get extremely pushy and they have caused more than one team to abandon their boats and hike out. At any level you want to have a strong team going in, it is a small creek so small groups are obviously better, there is not a lot of eddy room. You should also allow for some extra time, you are going to be a LONG way away from any help so any rescue is going to come from within your team, I have some friends (who after having a bad experience themselves) wont go into Bridge Creek without overnight gear. That being said, plan well and have fun huckin.
-Caliproduct

Merlin on one of the many drops bridge creek has to offer.

Crapo Creek

2000-01-01T17:25:00.000-08:00

Additional Google Earth Paddling Resources Available @ www.awetstate.com

Forks of Salmon local (Cylus) boofs this tricky 12' falls.

Crapo creek is a small drainage located near the confluence of the North Fork and Main Stem of the California Salmon river. Originating in the base of the marble mountian wilderness it flows south towards the Trinity alps. It was first ran in 2002 and since has been run only a handful of times mostly by local paddlers to the Arcata/Humboldt area.

Due to its realatively low elevation and ease of access it is a great creek to do when in the area in the winter and spring. Like its big brother Bridge Creek, Crapo has similiar drops but with more junk in between. There is numerous slides and drops however. Nothing exceeds 20 feet making it fun but not drop dead stressfull. There are numerous portages around logs and one over a old dam about a mile from the confluence. However the majoraty of drops are navagable. To find crapo you should consult a topo map. Look a few drainages up from where wooley creek hits the Cal Salmon. It is relatively painless logistically. After 5 mile drive on a decent road and a small scramble down a muddly slop you are set. Flows vary based on snowpack and expecially rain. When the flows on the main Salmon are between 5ft and 7ft Crapo is running wich is most of the winter and spring.

-Ben Wartburg

Merlin Hanauer launching off one of the bigger drops on the run.

Merlin, having one of his few good lines of the day, nails this drop.

Morehouse Creek

2000-01-01T16:38:00.000-08:00

-Andrew Bell on the confluence falls.

-Merlin on one of the many technical rapids.

Paul Gamache - Confluence Rapid. Photo: Ben Hawthorne

-Morehouse creek drains from North to South out of the Marble Mountains and into the Salmon river about five miles down from the confluence. Morehouse shares a peak with Crapo creek and drains the opposite side of some of Wooley creeks larger tributaries like Rock and Sienacher creek. If you have traveled up the Salmon during daylight hours then you have seen the beautiful falls where Morehouse pours into the Salmon. This falls has been run several times, run first a few years ago by local boy Rush Sturges, but until earlier this year the rest of the creek was yet to be run. This can, for the most part, be attributed to the lack of any conventional access, including any type of trail. There are some access tips you can pick up from locals, but I would recommend inquiring with CaliProduct if possible since some of the locals might not take kindly to "some honyaker" asking for directions on where to go romping through the woods.

-The creek itself is quite enjoyable and typical of most creeks in the area: lots of gradient (400+) and lots of wood, not a lot of water. Morehouse is a very small creek and you absolutely must have over 7.0 ft. on the Salmon River gauge. The gradient is constant with some challenging drops but few very large drops, in fact the biggest drop we encountered was the last drop into the river. That being said, this creek presents many challenges, it is not an easy creek and a strong team is a must. Check the clip section for some shots from the first d.

-Merlin Hanauer

-Andrew Bell on the confluence falls.

-Seth Rikter on the last drop of the run.

Portuguese Creek

2000-01-01T01:08:00.000-08:00

-The top of the last drop going into the Cal Salmon.

-The kicker that launches.

-Portuguese creek flows into the Cal Salmon on the Nordhiemer run. You can easily see it if you check out a topo. For it to be running the salmon probably needs to be above 6 feet, it is a small creek. There is no access except simply hiking up it. We hiked up and ran the bottom of this creek into the river, the last drop being pretty awsome. You get huge air as it launches you off a kicker. Its worth doing if your in need of footage and everything else is just too high, but its not worth going out of your way to do.

-CALIPRODUCT

Bluff Creek

2000-01-01T00:30:00.000-08:00

Google Earth Screen Shot. Additional Google Earth Resources: www.awetstate.com

BLUFF CREEK

-Scott Ligare was the only paddler on the North Coast we could find who had paddled this creek. References to it in Lars's book were vague, and rumor had it that his put-in road advice was shaky at best. After being up North for four years, myself, Dan Minton, Ben Wartburg, Erick Conklin, Paul Gamanche, Damon, and Matt "ODB" Fahey decided to give it a go. The the take-out is easy, right where you cross over Bluff as it drains into the Klamath. You can get a good look at what the last mile looks like from standing on the bridge. Lars's book says to go up Fish Lake road, instead, we went up the other side of the creek for about 5-8 miles, turning on the second forest service gate we came to. The gate is worth "looking" at even though it looks closed. Because of the endangered Port Orford Cedars, all the Forest Service gates stay shut. Head down this road on its way to the creek until it dead-ends. At the dead-end, veer down to the left through the brush and you will get to a creek bed that you can scamper down to the creek. If you find the creek the hike isnt bad, if you don't, you'll be bushwacking for about a quarter-mile.

The Run from this point down is awsome. It's about 4 miles of non stop great rapids, culminating in 1 mile of solid non-stop class V to the bridge. This run is one of the best quality runs in the area, going from flows of 500-1500. When we did it, we had about 1200 and it seemed like an ideal flow. It normally goes after any rain, and during spring run-off. If the Cal-Salmon is flowing at above 4.5, you have a good shot of it being runnable. Have fun on one of the classics!

CC