From flat-water paddles to feature park and play spots, this seventeen-mile reach offers something for everyone, so make sure you find the section that’s right for you. Also note that flows here vary depending on the Post Falls Dam. Beginning in late June, the gates on the dam close and the water level drops dramatically. By late July, flows can go below 600 cfs. At levels between 4,000 and 19,000 cfs, paddlers can enjoy a great run of Class I and II rapids. For each section, less experienced river goers should wait until the spring runoff is complete.
Stateline to Harvard Road (3.5 miles) and Harvard Road to Barker Road (2 miles) are well suited for less experienced paddlers comfortable with Class I rapids. The reach also features, Dead Dog Hole, a popular whitewater park and play spot located at the Stateline access site. This rapid can be avoided by staying river left at the put-in. Less experienced paddlers can enjoy this section in the summer, but should wait until spring runoff is complete and/or the gates at Post Falls Dam have closed. For paddlers not experienced with Class II rapids, exit at Barker Road.
Barker Road to Mirabeau (4.5 miles) is for more experienced paddlers, with a number of Class II rapids and whitewater play features including Mini Climax Wave, Sullivan Hole, and Zoo Wave. The core whitewater section of class IIs spans from Barker Road to Sullivan Road. By late July, reduced river flows expose a number of rocks, making sit-on top kayaks a more practical option for river goers. At high flows be wary of whirlpools just below the take-out at Mirabeau on river left.
From Mirabeau to Plante’s Ferry (1 mile) paddlers can enjoy a relaxing flat-water ride with a few minor rapids. Just below Plantes’ Ferry, is Coyote Rock, a class II rapid that be can avoided by portaging river right.
Plante’s Ferry to Boulder Beach (4.5 miles) is a flat-water experience, with the exception of Coyote Rock, a class II rapid. The final take out point is at Boulder Beach, with Upriver Dam located 1.5 miles downstream. This river section is a great place for less experience paddlers. The calm water allows travelers to circle back upstream as they like. Paddlers should be aware that there are occasional motorboats on this section.