| Difficulty | IV(V) |
| Length | 9.3 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 45 fpm |
| Gauge | Ph-27 Pit River at Big Bend |
| Flow Rate as of 41 days | 478 cfsstale data |
| Next Release | Sat, September 12, 2026 |
| Reach Info Last Updated | August 4, 2026 |
The Pit 5 reach offers both an upper Class IV(V) run and a lower Class III run. The river has a remote, wilderness feel, with few roads and only a handful of structures along the way.
The upper Class IV(V) run is 3.7 miles long and begins at the Madesi put-in just below Pit 5 Dam. The first rapid below the put-in is very brushy and can be avoided, with some effort, by putting in farther downstream. Shortly below is the run’s lone Class V rapid, Sneak Peek—a chunky, boulder-strewn rapid with a partial portage option on river left. From there to Big Bend, the river is a fairly continuous Class IV stacked with glorious boofs. Be aware that several braided sections require choosing the correct channel. If you do not wish to continue on the lower Class III section, take out just downstream of the Big Bend bridge on river right, where there is a large dirt parking area on National Forest land.
The lower Class III run is 5.6 miles long and begins at the Big Bend bridge. It can be paddled at the 400 cfs base flow or during scheduled recreation releases. The first rapid, Bad Alder, can be tricky, primarily because of vegetation encroachment. Several hot springs lie just downstream, all on river left. Take out on river left at the Pit 5 Powerhouse (aka James B. Black Powerhouse).
American Whitewater negotiated August and September recreation releases as part of the federal hydropower license, providing boating flows at a time of year when many there are few opportunities on other rivers. Real-time flow information is available on the American Whitewater website, and scheduled releases are listed on the event calendar.
The first release weekend of the season typically targets 1,600 cfs, with the second targeting 1,200 cfs. The difference is noticeable: 1,600 cfs provides better rock coverage but is also pushier than the 1,200 cfs release.
Logistics
Upper Run Put In: The
...Madesi River Access below Pit 5 Dam on river left has a river access point, bathrooms, and camping.
This rapid is right below the put-in. The channel in this rapid is braided and full of vegetation. The middle channel seems best, but this could change in the future.
Chunky boulder-strewn rapid. It can be difficult to scout and is the hardest rapid on the run. A partial portage is available on the far left. The center is considered the main line (pictured). The right line, as of recent years, has received some landscaping and is a viable (though no less difficult) alternative to the main line.
A fantastic flake boof that has the potential to send users TO THE MOON.
Access at this intermediate access point is on river right just downstream of the bridge in Big Bend. The river has Class IV whitewater upstream of this access point and only Class III downstream, making this a key dividing point for a change in character and overall difficulty.
This is a long Class III immediately below Big Bend. This rapid is compicated by the fact that much of the water pushes into the overhanging vegitation on the right bank.
Long Class III, Hot Springs are at the bottom of this rapid on the left. The river braids at the top of this rapid. The left channel is generally the best.
This rapid is below where Kosk Creek comes in on the right. One of the prettiest parts of the river.
The take-out is on river left across the river from the James B. Black Powerhouse (aka Pit 5 Powerhouse). The access site has a large parking area and bathroom.
Aug 2, 2026
First release weekend of the 2026 season for Pit 5, and one that is well worth the drive for us out of towners. At this flow, it's somewhere in the range of IV to IV+, but rather forgiving in terms of hazards. 1,600 cfs is the preferred flow for a lot of us, since the sharp rocks are more covered than the later season releases.
Aug 2, 2026
First release weekend of the 2026 season for Pit 5, and one that is well worth the drive for us out of towners. At this flow, it's somewhere in the range of IV to IV+, but rather forgiving in terms of hazards. 1,600 cfs is the preferred flow for a lot of us, since the sharp rocks are more covered than the later season releases.