Russian Rapid, Class II
Hold on to your hats! Russian Rapids is a class II rapid that
provides excitement, yet is still perfect for beginners to improve
their skills! A few large rocks, under cut ledge on the right and
rolling haystacks of water at the end provide a challenge. Above
the rapid, a signed portage trail begins on the left. Its sign
might be somewhat obscured by vegetation. At 1900 cfs and above you
can paddle the portage trail cutting through some brush. Doing the
rapid most of the water goes down the far right channel. You can
avoid the biggest whitewater holes by entering this channel on the
left, working right, then left again at the bottom. Conversely, you
can hit the biggest whitewater by entering right, working left,
then right again at the bottom!
If you seek adventure, more difficult whitewater lies upstream.
Below Goodwin dam is a class V run with rapids named after rides at
Disneyland, such as Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Matterhorn, and Haunted
House. This run has access halfway down, at Two Mile Bar, allowing
boaters to avoid all but Haunted House, which can be
portaged.
Difficulty may change depending on water level. Rating is base off
of when cache was placed. When this cache was placed the only way
to get to it was by boat or repelling down a cliff. Sorry climbers,
the cliff and property above are private property with a house near
by. A boat is really the only way. Watch for muggles, area can get
pretty busy on weekends. It is common to see a over turned boat and
people swimming in the water. It's a great place to watch the
carnage. "Wait! was that TeamTek that just went by?"
