Dewey to Divide Bridge

While the Big Hole River is most notable for it's fishing, it also provides a fun short run for beginners and veteran paddlers, with lots of downriver play spots. The only whitewater on the Big Hole is known as the "canyon stretch" which is a short run between Dewey and Divide. There are several access points to the river depending on how long you want your float to be, but running the canyon stretch you put in at George Grant RAP, and takeout at the Divide Bridge RAP/ Campground. The diversion dam at the old powerhouse just upriver of the takeout had a center section of the river taken out, allowing it to be runnable. For those looking to scout or portage the dam, there is a paved pathway on river right just above the dam, which is not signed. At higher flows, the dam turns in to a large retentive hydraulic. At lower flows, the slot through the dam provides a big wave train in to a breaking wave/ hole. There are three main rapids above the dam, with scattered riffles in between. Scouting the rapids from shore is tricky due to the scree banks, but boat scouting should be sufficient. All three rapids are near the entrance of the run and provide features such as wave trains, holes, and strong eddy lines, making it great for those starting to pick their lines, or those wanting to get some downriver play in. Be aware that this run is very popular with fishing, so heads up for fishing lines, drift boats, or shoreline casts.