St. Maries

We ran the river on Monday, April 22, 2019 at 1070 CFS. We encountered a few rocks but overall the level and flow were very good. There is a large log completely blocking the right channel of a braid bar (temporary island) at 47°13'45.3'N 116°37'07.6'W. It is difficult to see the log until you're committed to the right channel. We ended up taking out about 100 yards upstream and dragging our kayaks across the braid bar to the left channel.

Ran the Mashburn to St Maries stretch April 14, 2012, approx 1600 cfs, 14' paddle raft with 4 people. First time we have run the river. A solid class 2 section, some might consider there to be a couple of easier class 3's. In an open boat you will take on water for sure. At this level very few exposed rocks to dodge.

Encountered some head winds. There is a large tree down about three quarters of the way through the trip (say 1-2 miles past the second set of railroad cars used for bank stabilization). The river has a small braided section here. The danger is on the right braid. The root ball is very large, faces upstream and sits in the middle of the right channel where more of the water is going and can pose a very significant strainer problem. I believe the floods two weeks ago washed out much of the small island at the center of the braid and the tree had been at the upstream end of the braid. Also, the squatter who had occupied the public take-out last year appears to be gone.

3 April 2011: 3800 cfs; nice big rollers. Not much different than 3000 cfs, but a bit more washed out. Nice surfing at the take-out.

Mid Febuary 2007 - Chris, Lee and Shawn
Chris, Shawn and Lee on St Maries in mid Feb 2007. Believe the flow was around 1000cfs