Sturgeon (Baraga/Houghton),

C) Sturgeon Gorge: Sturgeon Falls to FSR193 (4 miles)

Sturgeon Falls in the Gorge Section.

Sturgeon Falls in the Gorge Section.
Photo by Mark Mastalski taken July 6, 2002 @ 115cfs

Gauge Information

River Description

Put-in is via a 0.5 mile carry down trail to below Sturgeon Falls.

NOTE: It is possible to put-in above the falls, but this can be very dangerous. There's only a small eddy before Sturgeon Falls. While there are some sweet rapids (waves and holes) in the stretch above the falls, there is extreme risk of going beyond the 'point of no return' and being swept into/over the falls. There has been at least one death as a result of misjudging this. Several years ago a paddler in a recreational kayak (non-whitewater type like the Keowee) lost control in the approach to the falls and elected to swim for shore -- he failed to make it. This was at a flow of about 700 cfs. For this reason, a put-in below the falls is recommended.

Take-out is at Sturgeon Gorge Road bridge, just above Prickett Lake.

This section is very scenic and mildly playful depending on water. The run starts with some Class II low angle sloping ledges and some wave-holes, later turning into numerous boulder rapids with an occasional small surf wave. The majority of the whitewater features are located in the first half of this reach, which averages about 50'/mile. The remaining half is primarily a moving water egress paddle.

It should be noted that this reach, combined with the 10.9 miles of river upstream of Sturgeon Falls, is a fairly popular canoe run through a scenic valley. Starting from the USFS Sturgeon Rd campground there is mostly quietwater until a short distance above the falls. For those without whitewater experience/equipment, caution is advised in the approach to the falls portage, notably at higher flows (above the listed minimum here).