Black
E) Lower: Conglomerate Falls to Lake Superior (2.0-2.6 miles)
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportMid 70's early May what's not to love?
Even though the recommended cut off is 500 cfs for the lower run, the middle stretch (Gorge to Rainbow) is great over 500. A few of us ran the middle at over a 1000 cfs and agreed that is could be run much higher yet, with new lines opening up. The bigger drops can still be run higher, but the beat down factor goes up.
Left Line
Erik and I cleaned it at this level, but watched a friend get hammered.
I just have a few tips if you would like to run this river! First of all Conglomerate Falls can be run on river right if river left looks too manky for you. In fact the right side is probably a better high water line.
Second of all Potowatomi Falls is one of the most fun drops I have run but 'most' people decide to portage it b/c the birth canal lies just downstream. Well, we found it is not too difficult to take out on river left JUST after the falls! Then put in below the birth canal for a sweet run on Gorge Falls.
This is one of the BEST hardcore runs in the Superior region so treat it with respect!
Peace
Brock
Brrrrrrrr, that's cold!
Whew, safely floating past the steelhead fishemen.
Andy's 1st visit to the Black. Does he like it? Yes he does!
Pete found a new favorite river this day. The stunning geology of the Black River always makes for a great day!
The 2nd of the big drops on the black. This is a 40' drop.
The 3rd big drop on the black, about 1/2 mile below Potowattomi. This is a 25' drop.
This is the 4th big drop, but comes about 6 or 7 smaller drops (but definately significant drops) and about a mile of river. This drop is 45'. The river right side of this drop pours into an 80' deep cave.
A 'video guide' to most of the drops on the Black River.
Here he comes! That little speck, yep, that's a boater. Gorge Falls is just one of several big drops on the Black.
Ralph clips a rock partway down and is spun off into the pool in the mist.
While most visitors to the falls view it from a boardwalk and platform on river-left (just off-frame right), a far more amazing view is available from the other side. Only from there can one fully appreciate the true beauty (and ugliness!) of this falls.
Ron shows the typical river right line down Sandstone Falls.
Nice drop on the Black. Has been the site of numerous beatdowns and
broken paddles. This drops has more consequence the higher the flow.