B) Newald Tower Rd to Morgan Lake Rd (4.7 miles)

With two rocky rapids (II) and one bedrock ledge (II)) making up just 8% of its length, this section is run far less often than Morgan Lake Rd to Hwy 101. However, it is most useful as an easy-shuttle extension to the downriver section. It adds 4.7 miles of river (2-3 hrs, or avg 2.5) and a mere 3.5 more miles of shuttle distance. To add even a little more length (0.2 mile) and one fun rapids, NT Rapids (II) can be run by carrying upriver from the Newald Tower Bridge. Just 1000 feet from the put-in, behind a small island on river-right, the South Branch of the Popple joins the North Branch. There are no significant rapids on the South Branch but for anyone interested in reading about growing up in the remote lands of this area of the Popple (1950-1960) will enjoy reading “Fences in the Woods,” by Ken Hedmark. Masons Rapids (I-II) and Camp 1 Rapids (II) are relatively easy, rocky runs separated by a short pool and a signed portage (river-right) that is most useful to scout or avoid the often impenetrable, terminal bolder wall of Camp 1 Rapids (Notice tip of a swamped and mostly submerged, aluminum canoe below terminal boulder wall in the photo) Anunson Trace Rapids: The bridge and bedrock ledge concentrate flow through this short drop. The rapids can be easily scouted from Morgan Lake Rd bridge. Earthen embankments are all that remain of the Anunson Dam built here in 1880.