Escanaba, E.Br.
Sands Plains Run: Section 20 Bridge to W.Iron Street (2 - 8.4 miles)
| Difficulty | I-II(III) |
| Length | 7.8 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 7 fpm |
| Gauge | Middle Branch Escanaba River at Humboldt, Mi |
| Flow Rate as of 54 minutes | 69 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | December 22, 2024 |
River Description
An excellent pool drop style run for beginners and intermediates during spring run-off -- class I-II at 'normal' water levels, class III in spring or high water. There are four short rapids in the first two miles (average run time is 45 minutes), or continue all the way to Gwynn for a few more drops, but a lot more flatwater. The drops are nicely spaced on the run and the flatwater moves at a pace which allows easy paddling from one drop to the next.
Always be on the lookout for logs which may have to be portaged.
The private land owners in the cabins have been very friendly when we've encountered them, but we have stayed in our kayaks when talking to them. Two of the cabins/houses are regularly occupied and have docks in the river.
NOTE: Our reference gauge is on Middle Branch (22.5 miles WNW), with drainage area 45.7 square miles. USGS lists a 'sampling site' very near our put-in with drainage of 96.6 square miles. Thus, on average, actual flow in this reach might be twice the listed gauge! Correlation is not assured, but is expected to be reasonably good.
River Features
Put In
Take Out
Trip Reports
Log in to add a report2.9 FT 100CFS
Ran this run 2 weeks ago at around 240 cfs. At current levels of ~70cfs, several features appear to have created potentially dangerous hydraulics not seen at levels of ~30 cfs or ~240 cfs previously paddled. Scouting would be advisable for some of the middle drops, and portaging would be wise if you arent comfortable with the strong possibility of rolling in violent water.
River was a blast! Took out the whitewater boat I bought used last fall for the first time on this run. Previously, I ran this in my 14 ft touring boat at flows around 18 cfs, very boney, slow going. The melt really livened things up, creating a ton of interesting features without getting overly pushy or overwhelming for someone brand new to whitewater. Canyon rapid (both sides) and the 3rd drop in were portaged this time around, though next time I would do the 3rd drop. Canyon rapid is a bit constricted and shallow for me to think you should be running it without class 3+ skills.