Pigeon

We paddled Jonathans Creek into the Pigeon and experienced a much different river than we did earlier in the year. The water quality in the Pigeon was much cleaner than before the upstream paper mill closed, in terms of both clarity and odor. Jonathans was actually much dirtier given the heavier rain in the watershed. We saw four immature bald eagles on the run, including three that were hanging out together, as well as kingfishers and herons.

At 450 the size of the waves and holes were much diminished compared to the much nicer descent at 950 earlier in the year. The surfing was less high quality, there were fewer waves, and the pools were slower. The dam was an easy run down the right at this level, while island rapid was kind of junky. While still totally navigable and fun, 450 felt like a pretty good minimum flow for folks seeking a whitewater run. I would not return much lower than that, and certainly had more fun with more water. I'm excited to paddle this again at winter flows for some surfing and another check in on the recovery of the water quality.