White, East Fork

We put in near the 550 bridge, about 2 miles upstream. Put in at Shoals for a nice, long run with an easy bike shuttle across the big bend. We finally got a close look at this three foot monster, and every time I gaze upon it, I feel sucked into a rip in a space-time continuum. View the full-sized versions of the two panoramas for better viewing. They are composed of about eight pictures each and look great when viewed at the full 100%, with sideways scrolling.

2600 cfs may be a low level for surface play, but there could be some mystery play at this level. I was in a canoe with family, so I was not able to probe. I am guessing that 3000 opens up all types of play along the entire rip. I will also guess that this ledge and the eddies downstream will pack a lot of fun for expert play boaters up to 10,000 cfs. I can't say for sure, since I have yet to play it, but this should be worth a 2 hour drive. The river did not start to rise until a full day after the heavy rains of July 4, and it is still rising 3 days (maybe more) later. This is a very easy run to plan for.

Most satellite views of Hindostan Falls are a capture of the river at a high level, so that you never see the ledge. I am not sure yet at which level it starts to wash out. The Yahoo satellite map does depict the ledge, so it is included in the gallery for reference. Here is a link to it,
http://maps.yahoo.com/#mvt=s&lat=38.622178&lon=-86.849359&zoom=17

The East Fork of the White River sees 2000-10,000 through much of the year, except for late summer and fall. The river sees 20,000 regularly, although that is surely too high for any features to play, other than some possible boils. I will try to scout some of the higher flows this winter. Over 40,000 is about when property starts getting damaged. The water quality is typical midwest large river agricultural, but not foul or caustic. Ear and nose plugs would help during extended play sessions.

There are absolutely no other waves nearby, on the White, so if you want to float down the fairly scenic and quiet stretches near Hindostan Falls, use a large comfortable boat (canoe, touring kayak, raft, or dory), and drag a tiny play boat behind you. There are a few nice little creeks, cliffs, and cracks along the river.

This photo gallery description is not written with beginner canoeists and kayakers in mind. The ledge could easily trap a boater sideways, and turning over in the falls could easily result in head and shoulders getting pounded on rocks. The hydraulic could also trap a swimmer, which could result in drowning.