Feather, N. Fork, CA

Lance Petrack-Zunich at Put-in

Lance Petrack-Zunich at Put-in
Photo of Lance Enters below the poe run by Dave Steindorf taken OCt 9 2004

River Description

Big Bend is the last run on the North Fork Feather before the river settles into Oroville Reservoir, formed behind the nation's highest dam. The run includes a dramatic drop over the Big Bend Dam.

The good news on this run is that flows from the Poe Powerhouse feed this run almost every day of the year.  The bad news is that the run is short to nonexistent in most years.  This is because when Lake Oroville is at full pool, a reservoir elevation of 900 feet, it backs up all the way to the Poe Powerhouse.  In fact, this run is generally not considered to be viable until Lake Oroville drops below 750 feet. This run is at its best in the driest years.  In the late summer and fall of dry years Big Bend often has flows of 3000 cfs!

The run starts at the Poe Powerhouse and after padding for about five minutes across the Poe Afterbay, you come to the Big Bend Dam.  Saying that this run starts off with a bang would be a gross understatement.   There are also a number of fun class 3 to 3+ drops and reportedly one drop of greater difficulty if the reservoir is low enough. 

Once you reach Oroville Reservoir it's a two or 3 hour paddle out on your own power. However, starting in 2008, a shuttle service is now available to Lime Saddle Marina.   AW signed a Settlement Agreement for the Oroville Hydroelectric Project that included provisions for this boating shuttle service.  

The terms of the service are:

•    Available during business hours only.
•    First 3 hrs. portal to  portal  $175.00 flat rate
•    After 3  hrs.  $65.00   per hour
•    Maximum 8 people, no minimum.
•    Price remains the same from 1-8 people.
•    Reservations only; payment made in advance.

For Reservations call Lime Saddle Marina at 530-877-2883

Terms of this service were negotiated between State Parks and the Marina concessionaire.  While American Whitewater was not asked to comment on the fee structure for this service, we are asking for boaters for their input.  If you are planning on boating the Bug Bend run let us know if you will be using this service. Also let us know how the service works for you.  Please send your comments to dave@americanwhitewater.org

Other Information Sources:
Lake Oroville State Park     Visitor Center phone - 530-538-2219
A Wet State  has a nice write up and photos of Big Bend Dam.
Kayaking video showing Big Bend dam and one other rapid.
2004 Recreation Report from the Oroville relicensing process.
Lime Saddle Marina   has boat rentals.