Payette, N. Fork

A little Lower 5 info. New

Forum: BoaterTalk

Date: Aug 21 2003, 19:04 GMT

From: middleschooler

The Lower 5 is running 1500 right now. This is actually, a pretty good introductory level.....a little high perhaps if you're more comfortable dealing with rocks than push. Nonetheless, not bad and it'll give you a good feel for 'The NF'.

'IV+ or V'?

That depends with whom you talk to. Most of the locals I know who paddle it regularly say 4+ (and I'm talking about the current level of 1500). On the other hand, it seems most out of area boaters, or the uninitiated, more often than not refer to it as class 5. Regardless of what class people call it, you have to remember that the NF is a fairly unique river with a different feel. It is not pool drop and the eddies for the most part are along the banks, not in the center. Also, the recovery pools are more or less non-existent below the named rapids and the water deflecting off the sharp blasted rocks on both banks create sort of a chaotic feel. In other words, the waves don't roll but are rather erratic giving you the feeling of getting slapped from all directions. The river is also choke full of holes. Most will just splash you.... if you hit them straight on. Others will gladly play with you if you're not on the stick.

The beauty of the NF is that it's all roadside and you can easliy get out any time you're not comfy. Generally, newer paddlers working up the ladder do what is referred to as 'The Warm-up', a ~2 mile piece between the first drop (Houndstooth) & the top of Otters. It is a fun run in itself and comparitively speaking, easy.

'Big water'?

CFS wise, obviously not but it does have a bit of big water feel to it.

'Runable next weekend'?

Yes. And the NF typically runs until the first part of Oct though it will be running a tad low then.....approx 800-900.

'Not-so-obvious hazards'?

Yes. There is a pin rock in Juicer roughly 115 yards from the top near the right bank. There is a funky V shaped hole sorta thing about 10 yards above that tends to kick people into the rock. It is not obvious from bank scouting how this feature will kick you and unless you know where to look for the rock, it isn't real obvious either. I believe 1300 to 1500 is probably the worst level for it too. So, if you don't go with some one that knows the run, I'd suggest staying away from the right which also happens to be the most obvious line. Actually, the right was always the standard line but I believe the rock either shifted or the shorter boats that are now being used up there are more susceptible to being pushed that way. Prior to around 96, I hadn't heard of anyone pinning there. Anyhow, take that rock seriously. It has pinned multiple paddlers 4 of which I have witnessed. There is an undercut finger of sorts which happens to fit perfectly in the kayakers lap preventing escape.

Which weekend were you thinking? I doubt I'll leave the house this coming weekend but likely next weekend. If you'd be interested, I'd be more than happy to paddle with you on the Staircase run and if I thought you were up for the Lower 5, take you down that (hope that doesn't offend...I just don't know your level of paddling:-)).

planner@northrim.net