Belt Creek
1. Sec 15 to Monarch(Neihart Section)
May 27, 2008
Trip Report
| Reporter |
As one of the people that just paddled the monarch to sluice box section, I will say it was a blast. It was unfortunate that our buddy messed up his face. The section involves some boulder drop class II-III rapids just outside of monarch. One of the rapids has some van size boulders in it. I was impressed. Once we passed logging creek (half way point and possible alternate put in/take out) the canyon walls narrow. In one place there is a 3/4 mile section with no option to stretch your legs, if you swim you're swimming the whole way. The water was class III. As far as I know the canyon walls are not undercut, but I have not seen it at low water (possible higher consequence when swimming this section). Everying is read and run. We encountered no wood through the canyon (sluice box) sections. There are strainers in the upper sections. There are old bridge pillars through the entire stretch making for a couple interesting moves. There was one really great surf wave closer to monarch. probably not in at lower flows. There is no gage measuring flow. For us the water was at high water line on the river banks flowing into the willows along the banks. Hope the information helps. I plan to be back soon. I think this will be a fun rafting section.