Blackfoot

I just paddled the Wolverine Canyon section of the Blackfoot for the first time yesterday. I read AW's write-up after the fact and would like to offer an additional warning. We padded the river at 550 cfs without incident, but it is a very dangerous and remote river. Neither of us had done it before, and it took nearly six hours to scout, run and portage when necessary. We portaged three times, and the rapid called Teller Tube was not one of them. There are numerous places to pin, broach and otherwise get in a lot of trouble. The Class V rapids are interspersed with very consistent and bony Class IV rapids that are not like what Idaho boaters are used to. They are creeky and rocky rapids. Even with thorough scouting I broached three times and pinned momentarily at least twice.

The combination of remoteness, poison ivy, rattle snakes and very demanding scouts and portages makes this river very dangerous. The rapids are steeper than anything on the North Fork Payette, although they may be a smidgen easier. But the consequences for ever coming out of your boat are severe.

Had we gone with a guide, I imagine it would have been a smoother day. But even with a guide there are many places where scouting is crucial. This is a unique run in Idaho. It's worth doing, but be prepared, and, as Gordo pointed out, don't go in there unless you've got your A game. It's not only difficult whitewater, but it's a physically-demanding day.