Boulder

1. Fourmile to Speculator Creek (Hells Canyon)

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DifficultyIII-V
Length4.6 mi
Avg Gradientn/a
GaugeBoulder River at Big Timber Mt
Flow Rate as of 1 hour
1660 cfsrunnable
Reach Info Last UpdatedJanuary 27, 2021

River Description

Hells Canyon of the Boulder is a high quality whitewater run set in a spectacular valley.  A bit of flat water leads to a massive rapid that is a portage for most or all paddlers.  A bit more chill water leads to the class IV/IV+ canyon section.  The rapids are often pretty long and continuous, and several have distinct moves to be made to boof or avoid big holes.  We paddled it at 1600 and the rapids were plenty juicy and distinct.  Flows in the 3500 range are rumored to yield Class V big water rapids that are long, continuous, and connected.  After 5-10 good rapids the whitewater eases off but remains fun to the takeout .


River Features

Put In

Distance: 0.1 mi

Park Here

Take Out

Distance: 4 mi
Take Out

AD
Andrew Daigh

Jun 11, 2017


Ford Smith taking the right boof at the crux. @med-med low

PH
Paul Heffernan

May 19, 2017


There are 3-4 new logs across the river in this section. I paddled it at 1400cfs. All wood in this section was new (looked as though the storm the day before was the culprit). Not sure if high water typically clears this section or if logs might remain for a while.

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Andrew Daigh

May 21, 2016


Scott Springer picking his way through the narrows of Hells Canyon. @med low