St. Regis

This section of river cuts through the anorthosite bedrock of the Adirondacks, creating some of the best creeking in the region. The character of the run is defined by a mix of bedrock slides, a distinct slot canyon drop, and a complex island rapid system, finishing with roughly a half mile of Class II boogie water.

Below the gorge, the river flows through approximately 200 feet of pool-and-slide terrain before reaching a notable slot canyon drop. This drop is about 12 feet into a narrow slot, and care is needed on the entry—avoid a direct boof as there is a shallow rock shelf just below the surface, with water potentially passing underneath it. Downstream of the slot, the river continues through about 500 feet of Class II boogie water leading into the first of the main slides.

A low-angle bedrock slide feeds into a pool roughly 200 feet before the larger features. From there, the run builds through three distinct slides, each around 30 degrees, with rock features constricting flow along river left. These slides form the core of the main action on this section and are typically the most continuous and engaging part of the run.

Below the slides, the river splits around an island, creating multiple complex channels that require careful scouting on both sides. Several channels contain mild undercuts on river left; while not severe, they are worth noting in the event of a swim. A thorough scout is recommended before committing, as line choices are not always obvious from above. Portaging is more straightforward on river left, but this route bypasses the largest slides, while river right offers access but involves a more difficult and sustained walk.

After the island, the river eases into Class II boogie water. Stay in the left channel and watch for strainers as the gradient continues to mellow. The takeout is located on the island land bridge, though parking is limited and can be tight during higher use periods.