Hunt's Branch

Hunt's Branch is often referred to as Upper Grassy, although it is a separate creek that runs in to Grassy. Russell Fork veterans might recognize this creek as the one the runs behind the Gateway Motel and up Highway 80 toward the Breaks Park. It is narrow, technical and continuous, falling 280 feet in only .6 of a mile.

The creek was first run by James Stapleton and Jabber Adams around '92-93. It wasn't fully run again until '02. Only a handful of locals have run this up to now. Must be scouted before running for wood and seives. Very few places to stop! Recently it has been run at lower water levels and paddlers have seen boards, tires, gas tanks, etc. in the narrow creek-bed. There is also a major logjam that must be portaged about a quarter-mile into the run.

The creek doesn't run that often, but catchable in periods of rain. And if you miss it, you can always run the Russell Fork instead.

The putin is located in the wide space on the right side of HWY 80 about .5 miles above the Gateway Motel/Laurel Shop. Putin just below the culvert that runs under 80. You can either take out at the Grassy Creek putin, about .25 miles below the Gateway or run on down Grassy to the Russell Fork and on to Ratliff's Hole.

Run Description (provided by Matt Delong): When putting in just below the culvert (there are a few smaller rapids above the bridge) you will encounter a series of slides leading into the first major rapid. A large blasted rock—which serves to narrow the creek plenty enough to dislocate your shoulder—has been conveniently placed at the top of Slideways. There is also a second nicely placed boulder at the bottom right of the drop that should be avoided. Slideways can be scouted from the road, and is followed by boulder gardens leading into an 8-foot vertical drop that can be run anywhere except river right. This fun drop is followed by another, slightly steeper stretch of boulder gardens with two trees to be avoided ne

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