Russell Rapid

Just below Canoe Hole the river turns 90 degrees to the right and enters Russell Rapid, named for Bill and Lee Russell, who were instrumental in building the momentum that ultimately defeated a TVA dam proposal that would have drowned this amazing watershed. This rapid pushes down the right side of the river into a rocky bank, so drift with readiness to move middle. Watch the diagonal ledge hole lurking in the runout that catches many a paddler off guard.