Bull Run
Bull Run Road to Sandy River
| Difficulty | III |
| Length | 2.7 mi |
| Avg Gradient | n/a |
| Gauge | Bull Run River Near Bull Run (river Only), or |
| Flow Rate as of 25 minutes | 127 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | March 15, 2022 |
River Description
The Bull Run has served as a short but fun class III training ground for local paddlers for many years. You can have a good time just working the rapid at the put-in or head down the short run to Dodge Park. The old powerhouse at the put in is a popular training site where slalom paddlers have a permanent course and host an annual race.
Between 200-400 cfs this a technical class III run and not at it's best. There can still be enjoyment for those stepping up to class III, or looking for technical lines through the rocky rapids.
Below 1,000 cfs there are more eddies for practicing slalom style moves, and boaters looking to improve their skills will find no shortage of opportunities.
Boaters looking to straight line through the rapids will find them more enjoyable above about 1,000 cfs, and there are still plenty of slalom moves available.
Between 2000-4000 cfs this is a fun class IV run with some big holes and push.
The hydropower facility was decommissioned in 2008 and it's supplemental flows are no longer provided. The Bull Run's loss was the Sandy River's gain though as the water is no longer being diverted from the Sandy providing more consistent and higher flows in that river.
Continuing downstream from the powerhouse you will find half a dozen class III rapids spread out over the 2.5 miles down to Dodge Park. There are good recovery sections between each of the rapids. Swingset is the last class III and the most notable, at lower flows it has some holes in the middle, and at medium flows some fun waves. At high flows the waves get large, but are forgiving for their size. It takes some effort to scout, so most people go with the flow and run it center-right. It is a nice finale. The river winds down below Swingset to the take out.
Looking upstream from the bridge at the put in, one can't help but wonder what lies upstream of the put-in, with enticing rapids visible above the bridge. However, the high quality c
...River Features
Put In
Take Out
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportThe run was clear in the main lines February 1, 2025.
The first two rapids, the one with the gates and the one below each have prominent center rocks. Stay right of the prominenent rock in the second rapid (the one without gates) to avoid some wood against the prominent center boulder at low water. Otherwise, the run is clean in all the main lines.
River wide log. Two rapids above the big river right water fall. Can sneak along left bank or right bank. Huge fresh dirt root ball and stump visible on right bank. This is new in the last few days. Google screenshot, Pin =approx location, yes just down stream of the log that appears in the Google aerial.
Not sure about optimal flows but I ran this stretch at 2300 or so today and I would say it's not a good run if you're limit is class III. If you're class IV or above then this level is great fun. Most rapids were clean down the middle, a couple nasty holes to avoid, and a little rebar thrown in to keep you on your toes. It'd be a handful in a playboat, but the surf would be GREAT! Looked as though it could be run much much lower as the river might channelize nicely. Too much higher and the waves would be pretty damn big, definitely approaching a big water feel.
Takeout for the Bull Run at Dodge Park where the
Bull Run joins the Sandy River.
As is typical at FERC-licensed hydropower projects,
public access to the river is provided. Facilities are
fenced and a clearly-marked trail to the river is
available for public use.
Limited parking for boaters is available at the Bull
Run Powerhouse. Facilities are fenced but a trail to
the river is provided for public access to the river.
River trail at the Bull Run Powerhouse.
Put-in for the Bull Run on the upstream side of the
Bull Run Powerhouse.
For many years local utility PGE has provided a site
for local paddlers to erect a slalom course at the
powerhouse. This site has served as an instruction
and training ground.
One of the fun class III drops on the Bull Run.
One of the best drops on the Bull Run.