Chocolay

The gauge on M-28 showed about 6.5'. On the bridge abutment, the water was at the 3rd line from the top. It was an OK level to paddle. It could have been a little shalower, but not by too much. It certainly could have been higher. We were able to play at the two main ledges. The first is better than the second, so plan to spend your time there. We didn't have any big problems with wood, but did have to get out once and walk around a tree over the river. It is not that wide, so it doesn't take a lot to block off the channel. The Chocolay is a nice warm up trip in the spring.

I ran this on April 15, 2009. From looking at the topo map and my paddling time, I believe it's longer then 2.2 miles. I took my time, played in one spot for about 45 minutes, and it took about 2 1/2 hours. There is a gauge on the river near M-28 and according to the USGS, the level on the 13th was 4.5'. They only take occassional readings. The level was probably less then this when I ran it. The water was in the banks and up to the grass line and tag alder. I don't think you would want to run it at a much lower level.

The first 1/3 was a pleasant class 1 run in a narrow, winding river. One tree to limbo under and one tree to portage around. You then come to a river wide ledge with a great play spot. Great for surfing, too shallow for any 'tricks', though I don't have any. Plan to play here as this turned out to be the best spot. The next 1/3 of the reach has a number of class 2 river wide ledges. These were getting a little shallow when I went through. This section also included a tree that I dragged over. The last 1/3, the river meanders, splits around islands and has a few rocks. The level was just runnable.

I walked the shuttle and it took about an hour to hike the 4 miles. There is good parking at both ends. At very high water this would/could be a class 3 with the downed trees and river wide ledges.