Obed

Scott Williford shared:

For those of you who haven't run this, it has three good rapids, all within one mile (thus probably not the place to go if you are looking for a lot of action). I was feeling a little under the weather, and decided to do something easy, and knock another one off the list of plateau runs.

We put in at a little pull-off on the downstream side of the Hwy 127 Bridge over the Obed in Crossville (right by the Billboard). The takeout is at the Adams Bridge. We pulled off the access road on the right, just before the Bridge.

The first four miles are either flat, or Class I/II. At the first horizon line, get out and scout. Scouting is easiest from the river left, but if you are going to walk it, do it on the right. This rapid is called the Esses, because it is a series of tight S-turns in fast water. It appears that some the rocks are undercut. This is a Class IV+ at least, possibly an V (depending on level, and who is rating it).

The next horizon line is about a four-foot ledge/chute. Run it right-to-left (class III).

The next horizon line is a serious rapid. I believe it is rated at Class IV in Southeast Whitewater (and I agree with the rating). Run this from the right, heading left. Boof off the angled rock forcing the water into the nasty hole on river-right. Don't miss your boof -- the hole is formed on a rock jumble. Scout and walk it on the left.

From here out it reverts to Class I/II for 4 miles or so to the take-out.

If you walk the Esses, and the third/last ledge, this run is suitable for beginners. And, if you are capable of running the Esses, you probably don't want to go here, as it is pretty boring overall. The Esses, and that last ledge were really fun to run, and I have never run another rapid like the Esses. This would be a good trip for a Class IV/V paddler to take beginners on, just make sure you pay attention and get them out of the water before either of these rapids. Paddlers

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