Pit

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.

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.

Unusable boat ramp build by PG&E. Use of the ramp puts paddlers at the top of an unrunnable chute.

This is the chute below the Madesi Boat Ramp.

Long Class IV. Big holes, none too sticky.

A long busy Class III+ rapid that finishes at the Hot Springs on river left.

The bottom of this rapid opens up but there are several holes to negotiate.

Huge river wide surf wave on the Upper Section of Pit 5

The line is off the clam shell on the far right.

One of the many Class IV rapids on the Pit 5 reach of the Pit River

This is the run out on Sneak Peak, the hardest rapid on the run.

This is the entrance to Bad Alder at 1500 cfs.

Class III that finishes in a nice pool. Gordon Steindorf on the oars.

Chunky at lower flows.

River wide Ledge followed by a great surf wave

Typical PIt 5 Class IV

From Dave Steindorf archive

John Gangemi during the 2002 flow study.