Approximate - nearest available gauge. Use as general reference only.
The first gorge, 'Yosemite Sam', begins with the challenging class V rapid, 'Yosemite Sam Slam'. It's tricky to spot as the river sharply bends left; you'll glimpse it through the trees on the hike in. For a safe portage, exit on river left about 100 yards before the river bends out of sight (hike back to the road). You can also navigate the class III+ lead in to the edge of 'Yosemite Sam Slam'. An eddy behind a bedrock peninsula on river left offers a challenging portage along a steep bank. 'Yosemite Sam Slam' features a dramatic S-turn where the river drops approximately 25 feet in two significant pitches, with a recovery pool below. The remainder of the 'Yosemite Sam' gorge is IV/IV+ and can be read and run. The final drop in the gorge is a careful scout at V-, with an easy portage or scout on river left if done early. The 70-yard drop includes three 2-3' (Class III+) ledges followed by a 5-6' drop, combining for a Class IV+ to V- challenge.