D) Cataract Basin Dam to powerhouse (0.9 miles)

Construction of a dam and hydroplant at this location in 1929 largely dewater the cataract at Cataract. When flow exceeds the capacity of the penstock, the origins of the name become evident. Much of the gradient in this brief reach is contained in the first 200 yards downstream of the dam in a series of three drops. These will only contain runnable flow when rivers in the area are relatively high. From the put-in eddy (river-left, directly below the dam), a low ledge parallel to the main flow drops into the entrance for a narrow 'S' drop between rock walls. A brief bit of lower grade water is followed by a 45 degree flume of 6-8' with a potentially aggressive hydraulic at the base. Shortly beyond lies a broad sliding drop of about 8'. Moving water and light boulderbed follow for about a quarter-mile before the gradient picks up again for some class II-III boulderbed with a few low ledges. Paddle past the powerplant and take-out at the boat landing river right. UPPCO encourages recreational usage of their lands and has created a park-like setting here. On Hwy 35 NW of Gwinn or S of Ishpeming, look for a sign that reads 'Escanaba River Access'. A mile or so down this road is a 'Y' branch with pictorial signposts indicating which direction for the dam (put-in) and canoe launch (take-out). From the dam parking/picnic area, the first three drops may be scouted by crossing the dam and walking along river left.