NF Nehalem

A nice coastal run with a couple of tall ledge drops, two nice class fours, and a scenic section of continuous class III. This run would be near classic by Oregon standards, the only problem is that the gate on the shuttle road is usually closed. Intrepid boaters will find that there is still a way to shuttle the run and avoid a hike, the roads are good quality (no problem for a Subaru most of the time), but the route involves driving gravel coastal logging roads and map reading skills.

Arriving at the put in, boaters have a choice -- Put in above or below Upper NF Falls. This drop can be scouted by walking down the bank, or from the rickety foot bridge (no promises it will hold you). There are multiple line options depending on water level, and a V-shaped hole in the middle is worth setting safety for. There is easy access just downstream of the falls as well for those who want to skip it.

The next couple of miles are easy-going, after crossing under the second road bridge the whitewater slowly starts to appear with some very small ledges and some shallow bedrock in places that can create small surf waves when the water is up.

A long class III- rapid signals the best part of the run, and the upcoming NF Falls. As soon as a concrete wall can be seen downstream, eddy out on the left to scout NF Falls - this is easiest to do by climbing the stairs up to the road. NF Falls has two obvious options, a broken ramp down the left side of the river, or a clean, ten foot spout on the right. The spout option has a sticky hole, and an odd room to the right of the landing, but it is such a clean lip that it is straight forward to sail past both hazards for those with a reliable right boot stroke. It would be hard to set meaningful safety so if in doubt take the ramp down the left, or even portage up along the road.

Below NF Falls, there are a couple of cool ledgy ramps before another bridge is reached and a long class III- rapids eventually

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