Bull Run

The 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.