Woodruff Falls

Woodruff Falls

River Description

This run is best in the summer when all else is too low. The spring-fed water is cold and clear all year long most years and the run is more fun at low water. In the winter you can drag your boat down a mile of snow and throw it into the icewater, but just try to get back to the highway from Woodruff Bridge. The run features a chance to show off before amazed spectators, a chance to scare your pants off, a probable back-flip, a rugged portage, a collapsed lava tube so narrow I saw a Stubby get stuck sideways, and a too easy runnable waterfall. This run is too short. Do not attempt this run until you know where the portage is; Walk the nice trail on river left first.

Description:

Cross the foot bridge at Natural Bridge Viewpoint, hop the stone wall, hump through the woods and put in downstream river right. It is illegal to put in higher than the bridge. You won't prove anything. It has already been done. Stop and try to surf the little wave until you attract a crowd, then shoot the first IV- drop. For the next mile or so the rocks are small and your concentration will be on your bow. Stop often and look up at the rock formations and colors. When you come to a pool at the top of a IV- drop it is time to wake up. Go ahead and run this drop.

The next rapid (Karma) is the crux rapid. At the top of Karma follow the cliff face on river left, go under the log, and get out to scout. Karma is a long, nearly blind double drop around a blind left turn. It should be scouted for logs. Once you get started you can't be guaranteed a chance to stop until you come out the bottom.

Soon after Karma you come to a horseshoe bend (90 right, 180 left, 90 right). Therapy falls, class P/U, is at the end of the bend. Portage straight ahead to cut off the bend. The falls has been run, so you won't prove anything by being silly.

Next comes an inconspicuous drop I call TiddleyWink after the child's game that features flying plastic.

After a mile or so of flat water you come two collapsed lava tubes. The second should be scouted for logs from the take-out before starting or it can be portaged/run on the left. The right is more fun though, so scout.

Finally, run the last waterfall on the right side of the island. It is too easy. The left is death in full view of all the fishermen.

Do not drift downstream of the picnic area thinking it will be as easy as it looks. The next reach contains class V Takelma gorge.