Riverside Campground to Hatchery Ford Road

Put in: River Side Campground where there is an improved boat ramp built for fly fishermen but usable by anybody.  The boat ramp is at the upstream end of the campground. Parking is free. Take out: Hatchery Ford Road. There is a sign off the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway that is signed Hatchery Ford Road.  It is also signed forest service road 351.  If you follow 351 all the way down to the river there is a boat ramp with ample free parking and a bathroom.  This is also the put in for the Mesa Falls run. Description: This is a very fun splashy class II/III run, though IV at high levels..  There are literally hundreds of surf waves that are great for new kayakers throughout.  You can kayak this run year round. It just depends on how bony you like it.  However, the rafting gets tough at levels less than 1000.  At levels above 1500 any craft will have lots of fun.  The flow on this run stays up well into August as it is dam controlled and as long as the farmers need water, they will keep the releases up. There are no dangerous holes on this stretch of river at any water levels just be aware of wood  since this area is heavily forested and logs can show up unexpectedly. The rapids start right from the campground  and are fairly continuous.  From the campground go to the left of the island and follow the channel as it weaves from side to side of the river.  It weaves back and forth so we call it Rocky Road.  It ends at approximately mile 1.5. The next section is call Wishy Washy.  It is from 1.7 miles to 3.8  miles.  The best wave trains are here.   There are no bad lines. At mile 4 is Swimming Hole rapid.  This is the largest wave on this stretch of river and it ends in a pool where you can jump off some of the boulders into the water. From mile 4.5 to 5.5 is Pinball Alley.  This rapid is so named for the many rocks.  However, there are lots of great surf waves as well.  The last half mile is a calm float.