Metolius

Paddled solo from Lower Bridge to Camp Monty 8/15/05. The logs from put-in down to mandatory log portage about 6.5 miles down are more difficult than the rapids themselves. The character of the river is very swift with few eddies. The only portage, however, was at a large ponderosa with branches mostly intact making it clearly visible on the water. It is not marked, though it comes into view on a straight section just after spotting a few small cabins on the right bank. Small eddy on right allows for easy portage. The logs are much less frequent below here, making the run more enjoyable--but keep your eyes open in a few spots. There are several class III (mostly log-free) rapids below the confluence with the Whitewater river. Total trip time was approximately 3.5 hours.