Blue

The Lower Blue is a short, pleasant Class II-III run that enjoys an unusually late season thanks to releases from Green Mountain Reservoir, which is right above the run. Class II+ boulder gardens culminate in Canyon Wall Rapid, a Class III flume that adds some additional excitement. The run feels secluded, despite the easy access, and is popular with boaters and fly fishermen. Releases from Green Mountain tend to be mid to late summer, making this stretch a fairly dependable season-extender for area boaters.

Flows are almost entirely regulated by outflows from Green Mountain Reservoir. The put in is within sight of the base of the dam. While parking at the put in is straightforward in a paved parking lot, getting boats down to the water can be challenging. They need to be lowered (or dropped) down a long (80 foot) steep (30+ degree) bank to get to river level. A few anchors and sometimes a rope are present to help lower boats, though if the rope is absent a throw bag can help. The put in can feel like the most challenging part of the day.

The take out is near the Spring Creek Road bridge in a marked parking lot. The take out requires a 100 yard carry up an improved trail, and passing boats over a pipe gate. The put in and take out quirks tend to limit the size of craft on the run, though 12-13 foot rafts with fly fishing frames are common.

The character of the run is apparent from the put in. Most of the river bed is made up of small to medium size rocks that create quick flowing Class II-II+ boulder gardens. These rapids do not require any must-make moves, but do require active rock dodging at all but high flows. The rapids are shallow enough that swims can be uncomfortable. After a distinct right-hand turn, the rapids culminate in the Class III Canyon Wall rapid, where the river is pushed into a narrower flume against a rock wall. Canyon Wall is followed by a pair of small diversion dams, which can be scouted on either side of the river and po

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