Cheat, Laurel Fork

US 33 Bridge to Cheat, Dry Fork (Jenningston)

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May 8, 2004

Trip Report

ReporterPaul Lange

It took us about 1.5 hours of paddling to reach the waterfall and we counted six broken bridge abutments above it(starting below the US 33 Bridge put-in). We walked it on the left. Parsons gauge was 9.4', Shavers at Bemis was 7.09, Dry Fork at Hendricks was 5600 (5.57), US 33 Bridge read 1.5'.
Martin runs one of many ledges in the 'ledge' section of the Laurel Fork. Most of the ledges were boat scoutable.
Paul paddles to the right of one of the many strainers we encountered below the falls. Most were easily paddled around. We had to walk around two that had blocked the channels we took.
Paul heads out for a surf in the last rapid at the mouth of the Laurel Fork as it enters into the Dry Fork. There were several good surf waves in the last mile at this level.