Difficulty: Class IV to V
Length: 1.8 miles
Flows: 400 – 2000 cfs
Gradient: 44 ft/mi (max 64 ft/mi)
Put-in: Craig’s Beach
Take-out: South Fork Bridge or Jed Smith
Shuttle: About five minutes on paved road
After my first run of Oregon Hole Gorge I wanted to run the South Fork Gorge and was told that it was a “step up.” This is definitely true when the gorges have some water in them and the South Fork Gorge becomes fierce, but at lower flows the South Fork Gorge is a quick fun run. I’d say with 400-600 cfs the gorge is class IV+ for kayakers.
I’ve seen the gorge run sucessfully (and unsuccessfully – see below) in rafts as low as 500 cfs and as high as 2000 cfs. It is a very fun technical challenge in a raft. Beyond the challenge of the rapids, this is a beautiful place and should be savored like a fine wine.
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- Raft After Near Flip
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- Raft Having Problems
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- Swimmers Above Last Rapid in South Fork Gorge
To take out you can either carry your boats up the narrow trail on the right just below the South Fork Bridge or float a few miles down to Jedidiah Smith State Park for an easier take out.
