2. Upper Stillwater Dam to Route 134

This run lies in a beautiful corner of the Uintas that substantially less crowded than popular Mirror Lake Highway region to the north. The run is a 5 miles stretch through a spectacular moutain canyon. Put in below the dam. There are parkig areas on river left before the road climbs to the reservoir or on the river right at the trail head. (Note, the trailhead and campground remain closed until June 30 due to rock fall concerns.) The river is immediately swift below putting on. After a straight section, you'll come to a steeper drop that turns left, then a sharp right. Gary Nichol's warns that the river left wall is undercut. The two class IV drops lie below here. You'll not be able to see them from the road, so either scout from shore, or keep the next downstream eddy in site. Wood from the numerous avalanche paths can collect anywhere along the run. After this the river mellows to swift class 3. Make sure to take out at the first bridge to come to. Also, do not plan on paddling onto the reservation. I recently spoke with two tribal members who urged me to remind paddlers that we are not permited in the river flowing through their land. Please be aware of the reservation boundry and respect it. That same goes for the numerous dirt tracks that leave the paved road. Unless you're north of the National Forest Boundry, don't leave the paved road. (Most of these tracks are well marked as being for tribal members only.) There are two ways to access Upper Stillwater Dam. The easiest is from the South. Make your way to Mountain Home Utah, and tun left (west) at the gas station (2 pumps) general store. The road goes to the dam. If you're coming from Salt Lake, and have a moderate AWD or 4x4, you can take a major short cut up and over Blind Lakes Road off of Rt 35 in Hanna. It's marked with a small FS sign, and leaves 35 just south/east of a white Farm house. The intersection is 42350 West. (The road divides a few pasture and then makes a sharp left. GO SLOW! About 400 yards past here is a 12x12-in ditch all the way across the road. It sneaks up on you, and could rip your front end off.) This road can still be blocked by avalanche debris and snow on the summit, but is generally melted out once the reservoir beings to spill. (Carry a decent shovel, and try not to get stuck, you won't get cell reception up there.) There's plenty of free camping along this road on the north/eastern side of the pass.