Piscataquis, W. Branch

River info provided by Nate Warren:

DIRECTIONS: Takeout at the bridge over the Piscataquis in the center of Blanchard, the same spot as the East Piscataquis takeout.  As an alternate to the Crossover Road put-in, follow West Rd. westbound out of Shirley.  This will turn into CCC road.  If you can make it to the junction of CCC road and Clouse Allen Road (where gates & snow may hinder you), you are near the put in.  Hike west down hill on CCC road until you find the bridge across the river.  This upper put-in would also be a great place to camp.  From here, enjoy the flatwater, birds and scenery as you meander through miles of Quebec-esque wilderness.  Use this GoogleMap as a reference.

DESCRIPTION: The West Branch of the Piscataquis is a long river run with epic flat sections, long, continuous class 3 sections, a few class four rapids thrown in for fun, and one very solid class 5 (Hell Hole), about 3/4 of the way down.  Hell hole is a 10 foot ledge funneling into a very deep and violent hole.  Scout or portage on the left.  Just below is a IV-V double ledge drop, then more continuous boogie water down to the confluence with the East Pis above Blanchard.  Though not as challenging as the East Pis, this is a great wilderness river run with a few fun and challenging rapids.

Put-in & Takeout coordinate info from John Porterfield