Gorge Entrance

The Gorge Entrance rapid is a technical Class V drop with a narrow, boulder-choked entrance that demands precise boat positioning and quick maneuvering through multiple breaking waves and powerful hydraulics. Paddlers must navigate a complex series of sharp-edged basalt rocks and avoid a large center hole that can easily flip or pin boats, with the safest line requiring an aggressive left-side approach and careful momentum management. Scout this rapid thoroughly from river left, as the consequences of a mistake are severe and rescue options are extremely limited in the tight, steep-walled gorge section.