Sacandaga, W. Branch

The following description is generously provided by Mike Feldman:

The West Branch Gorge section flows West to East, bisecting the Silver lake Wilderness Area. It joins the Main Sacandaga at the State Campground south of the Village of Wells. There is no gauge on the West Branch and all flows are approximations. The gauge is on the Main Sacandaga at Hope just downstream from the confluence. Hydroelectric releases from Lake Abanakee in Wells add about 200 cfs. If water is high floodgates are opened and this will add to the gauge reading.

This is a wilderness run through a remote gorge. There are no marked or maintained trails along this reach. Scouting is difficult and at high flows may not be possible. The terrain along the shore is scree covered with moss and debris. A map and compass are recommended if hiking into the river put-in. Once on the river the only way out is to paddle or hike out along the river. Trip length is about 6 miles.

The take out for this section is at 'Whitehouse.' Traveling north on NYS RT 30 enter the village of Wells. Take the first left and cross the Sacandaga River, Lake Abanakee will be on the right after you cross. Check the flow out of the dam to help determine the flow in the West Branch. Continue about 3/4 mile to West River Road (left turn) and follow to the trailhead for the Northville-Lake Placid trail (approximately 8 miles). There is ample parking close to the river.

Note: As of 4/30/06 the road was closed about 1 mile before Whitehouse and appears as though it won't be reopened in the future. Therefore, plan on either paddling down to Jimmy Creek or marking the take out in advance and hiking up the hill to where the road is closed.

3 choices of put-in (all directions relative to the intersection of NYS RT's 8 & 10, 12.5 miles West of Speculator):

1.Put in at Piseco Lake outlet, 1 mile South of NYS RT 8 on RT 10. Park on the left, there is considerable flat water and class II until the c

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