Middle Section

Below are pictures of many of the exciting parts. There are also many slow pools for swimming and relaxing.

Be aware that most of the land along this run is private property except for the grey areas on the map and between hwy 49 and Lotus Park on the South side.

	Click on these thumbnails for a larger view.
	A half mile below the Sutter's Mill the river drops around a gentle turn to the left. Generally you enter on the right half of the river and work your way left as you go around the turn, mainly to avoid a rock near the right shore at the bottom. There are some great waves around the turn.
	About a mile from put-in you'll see Old Scary rapid. Note the trees & rock island in the middle and the route to either side. The rapid is on a curve and your momentum will push you to the right bank unless set an angle to the left as you paddle around the turn. Note the easy left route. This is a high water picture (4300CFS)
	Below Old Scary the river turns right with some nice waves along the shore which feed you right into a large hole at big flows. This fate it easy to avoid by staying more to the center of the channel.
	Next you'll pass under the Highway 49 bridge (watch out for the cannibals that sometimes hang out there) and pass through some more rapids. On the left you'll see a large beach area (Lotus Park). You can take out here and do the run again if you want more practice. Sutter's Mill is within walking distance - 3/4 mile, so you could go get your vehicle and bring the boat back to the start.
	Just below Camp Lotus is Barking Dog Rapid. They say there used to be a dog nearby that would bark at all the boaters. You want to make sure and hit the wave in the center for maximum fun.
	The entrance to Cable Crossing Rapid (this is a high water pic). Just past the rock in the middle you have to work left to avoid getting spun into some rocks, holes or shallows depending on the flow.
	The lower part of Cable Crossing after the turn has some wrap rocks you'll want to miss. Just follow the kayakers.
	When you notice cars on the highway, you are coming up on Highway Rapid, a long one with shallow rocks to avoid. There are places in the main drop with rocks. Most of the pros enter the main channel on the right and then veer left just before the island.
	The main drop from the side.
	At the far end of this shallow area, the main flow goes to the right. It is not unusual to see rafts stranded on the rocks to the left of the shute, spun out by their own momentum, to the amusement of other rafters. A few more turns and the river takes you to Swimmers Rapid, the last one before take-out for this class 2 section. Many folks bail out of their rafts just above the drop and practice swimming through the waves here. Just stay to the middle were the water is deepest and the waves biggest. Keep your feet downstream and at the surface.
	The takeout is on river right just past Greenwood Creek and across from this manicured property. Look for the moose that hangs out under the trees. This is the last chance to take out on highway 49. Drift below this you are committing to the Gorge Run. There is no easy public access beyond here. It's a bit of a carry to the parking lot. You may want to make two trips if you have a heavy cooler.