Upper Pipeline (UPL, UPR)

This is the first feature on the lower part of the run (the 'short run'). For most runs, at most levels, most boaters will just carry up to put in here, foregoing the upper features.

A shoreline eddy/pool to put-in from (for those carrying up) or eddy-out into (for those coming downriver) exists among the trees on river left, virtually alongside the river-left feature. However it is generally recommended to carry upshore, a bit beyond a chainlink fence, to make it easier to ferry across to the river-right eddy, or (for those coming downriver) we generally recommend just charging into that river right eddy instead of this river left one.

NOTE: As of March, 2026, mutiple willow branches hang low to the water just downstream on river-left. Anyone launching from left shore and/or playing the left wave will need to paddle toward center-river to avoid tangling with these branches.

At low-to-moderate levels (200-700 cfs), a river-right pocket-wave/hole ('Upper Pipeline Right' or ' UPR') has decent width, and a somewhat short shoreline eddy. Surfs and flatspins can be done at will, but you have to paddle hard for the eddy when you come off the wave or you will be flushed too far downstream to regain it.

There is also a river-left wave/hole ('Upper Pipeline Left' or ' UPL'). At low levels, this one is exceedingly shallow and scrapey, and only scarcely worth much attention. As the level rises, the UPR washes out, but UPL builds quite nicely. At higher water (1000 cfs and up) this becomes a sweet surf. Again, there is only a narrow and short shoreline eddy, so you have to come off the wave in good control and paddle hard for the eddy or you will be flushed too far downstream to be able to regain it. Additionally, at the downstream end of the eddy, there are trees on shore, overhanging the river, which can become quite worrisome. Strong, confident paddlers who are swept back close to these trees may be able to 'throw their back into them' and push off to secure the eddy. However, more paddlers (as soon as you realize you are not being able to make it into the eddy) will quickly paddle hard (away from shore) to avoid tangling with them.

At lower flows, the river-left eddy will not extend enough to allow repeat play. As levels reach somewhere around 1100-1200, water spreads across what is normally shore, making it possible (not easy, but possible) to 'pull' your way up this eddy. As levels exceed 1300 (+/-) the eddy gets much more manageable.