Secesh

This 9.49 mile stretch from the NF 246 turnoff to Burgdorf down to the Chinook Campground and bridge can be divided into three stretches, each with something for everyone up to the class III Spring flows, typically June and perhaps into early July. This stretch of the Secesh seems to have been overlooked by all the guidebooks, perhaps because it isn’t full of gnar, and it runs for a limited season. However, it is perfect for getting newer boaters into the sport, with one part that is mostly swiftwater for the newbies, another part that gives an intro to class I-II boating, and section that’s a perfect intro to creeking for the aspiring boater with class III skills. Much of the more challenging upper stretch can be scouted from the adjacent gravel road which lies on Forest Service land. The middle and lower stretches are easier, but mostly traverse private lands, so pre-scouting is more difficult. In June when it’s flowing, the water is snowmelt-cold. Though Burgdorf Hotsprings should theoretically contribute some heat upstream, it doesn’t seem to turn it into Hawaii.

This section can broken down thusly:

Section 1, 3 miles, class III

The Upper, is from the NF246 turnoff to the next bridge, approximately 3 miles. This is the “creek” section, with fast-moving class II and a few spots that push to class III. It’s about 55ft/mi average, so it keeps moving. A good eddy turn is a must here, as there is wood, and there are no calm/flat water stretches, it is continuous. Therefore, it’s recommended to have class III skills for an incident-free run here. As of this writing, there is just one logjam portage, visible from the road where there’s a concrete barrier to avoid cars becoming boats. The stretch would be tight for a tandem inflatable, but could probably accommodate a single. We explored this in hard-shell kayaks, and though it gave my 15 year old some nerves due to the wood and continuous nature, it was great practice. Thi

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