Cedar Creek

With the Nail Factory Dam in the distance, this photo shows the 'boogie water' coming out of the dells. In the foreground one can see an assortment of wood in the creek (river-left, frame-right). At this time (Spring, 2013) none of it should cause any problem for boaters staying in the main flow, center-to-right. Those sweeping to the left to eddy-scout the drop toward the Estate Bridge may need to be mindful to stay out around this.

Almost immediately downstream of the Estate Bridge (which is pretty much the 'main event' of this run), you'll find a wave-train which leads you down to a couple of ledges (well, really more like transverse dips in the bedrock) which can allow some tame, but sometimes interesting and worthwhile surfs.

This dam is not all that big a drop, but the landing is almost uniformly shallow, as water sheets away from the base. At moderate-to-high flows, a very significant boil extends a good distance downstream, and shoreline eddies feed pretty strongly upstream into the boil. All of that should be enough to convince you that it would be a VERY BAD IDEA to ever try to run this dam.

At 710 cfs, this is a sweet, juicy wave. The approach to it (as you come down from portaging the dam) has two catch-on-the-fly waves which can allow surfs and spins, but no repeat play (unless you carry up the heavily wooded shores). This bottom wave allows great repeat play.

The put-in is right outside Rebellion Brewing (in the backside/basement of the old grain mill). After your run (when they are open) you can enjoy an excellent selection of top notch craft beer. There are outdoor patio tables (during warmer weather) overlooking the river. They don't serve food (other than pretzels or pre-made frozen pizzas), but you can order food from nearby restaurants and have it delivered to you at the pub! Check 'em out: http://rebellionbrewingusa.com/tap-room/

There is a eddy on river left under the bridge from which to access. Try not to get flushed down too far as regaining the eddy not easy.

Photo essay of river at 950 cfs, April 28, 2009.