Tuesday, May 25, 2010

The Crooked River is IN!


The Crooked River is one of those rivers that typically only runs for one week each year, if that. This year hasn't been an exceptionally great winter, so we were all more than a little surprised to look at the gauges and see the Crooked was running.


The put-in above Smith Rock (Photo from American Whitewater)



From Smith Rock State Park to the take-out below China Dam, the Crooked River is continuous class IV for about 15 miles, with a couple of miles of flat water at the beginning. I never though I would say this, but the flat-water section makes this trip worthwhile! Check out the view!

On a warm, sunny day, there are always climbers to watch as they make their way up the cliffs!

Smith Rock, Oregon (Photo from American Whitewater)



After the flatwater section around Smith Rock, the river begins to pick-up and the rapids begin!

There are some big holes in Rapid #1!

Wap-de-Doodle! (Photo off American Whitewater)

"China Dam," the take-out. (Photo of Oregon Kayaking)

Once at the take-out, we had a quick mile hike back to the car before a delicious BBQ dinner!



Our view on the hike-out (Photo by: Jesse Becker)


Hope to see you out there! The Crooked is still in at 2200 cfs and holding! Get it while it's good!




Cheers!


Kim Russell



No comments: