Fike Run

I wouldn't call this Class 3-5; I call it Class 4-5, with 2 rapids that are usually snuck or portaged. There is a gauge at Dinner Bell Road; 1.0 is approx. minimum, while 2.0 is cranking. At 2.0, it's non-stop action, solid Class 5. I like to put on at McCracken School Road, just upstream from the gauge; I find that I spend less time falling painfully on my ass and sliding down the muddy hill, that way. Plus, there are a few good rapids up there, although they might not be good enough for the truly manic paddlers. To avoid the first death slot, keep an eye out for a large, alpine-shaped rock on the left with a small semi-eddy at its top. It turns out that this rock separates two channels, and if you're not anticipating it fully, you are screwed. Once, I got washed backwards out of this eddy when I wasn't showing it the proper respect. Hoo-ee, that was embarrassing!