St. Maries

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.