Escanaba, M.Br.,

C) Cataract Basin Dam to powerhouse (0.9 miles)

Gauge Information

River Description

Since the 1929 construction of a splash dam and hydroplant at this location, there hasn't been much of a cataract at Cataract. When the flow exceeds the capacity of the penstock, the source of the name becomes evident. Much of the gradient in this brief reach is contained within the first 200 yards downstream of the dam in a series of three interesting drops. These will only contain runnable flow when water in the area is relatively high.

Exiting the river left put-in eddy directly below the dam, a low ledge parallel to the main flow drops into the entrance to a narrow "S" drop between rock walls. There is a brief bit of lower grade water followed by a 45 degree flume of 6-8' with a potentially aggressive hydraulic at the base. Shortly below this lies a broad sliding drop of about 8'. Moving water and light boulderbed follow for about a quarter mile before the gradient picks up again for some fun class II-III boulderbed with a few low ledges. Paddle past the powerplant and take-out at the boat landing river right.

UPPCO encourages recreational usage of their lands and has created a park like setting here. On Hwy 35 NW of Gwinn or S of Ishpeming, look for a sign that reads "Escanaba River Access". A mile or so down this road is a 'Y' branch with pictorial signposts indicating which direction for the dam (put-in) and canoe launch (take-out). From the dam parking/picnic area, the first three drops may be scouted by crossing the dam and walking along river left.