Bringing the Boats to Glacier - Bowman & Thunderbird Lakes

Glacier National Park.

Vertical feet of rock make for some of the most spectacular vistas in North America. Glaciers, some just hanging on by a threadbare patch of snow, carved waterfalls and lakes and rivers into the unforgiving peaks over the eons, and among those imposing jagged edges lay a series of trails and waterways across the park.

Time to go exploring.

My last stretch on the Continental Divide Trail traversed almost 100 miles of Glacier's spine from just outside the sleepy town of East Glacier up to the Canadian Border at the Chief Mountain Trailhead. Many of the passes: Pitamakan, Triple Divide, Piegan, Ptarmigan, revealed landscapes that just got more and more astounding.

Pitamakan Pass

Triple Divide Pass

Piegan Pass

Ptarmigan Pass

When Kirk picked me up at the Canadian border, we knew staying in Glacier to do some adventuring was going to happen, and since he brought the packrafts, we looked to the water for inspiration.

Since I had spent most of the last week on the east side of the park, I first looked to the west to see what was possible.

When I realized Polebridge, the site of a famous bakery on the remote west side of the park, lay as a gateway to a few lakes and rivers, we decided to head that way. The North Fork of the Flathead River could have enough water in it for a good float, and we could get in some stunning lake paddling too.

Really it was the bakery.

We spent the first night camped at the edge of Bowman lake, car camping style. It was luxury after all those nights I spent this year with no camp chairs, no cooler, no pillows, and definitely no boyfriend. Car camping!!

The next morning we packed up our camping gear into our boats and headed out to the 7 mile lake to paddle to the far side for our first night out.

The going was fairly slow in the packrafts...they aren't the most efficient crafts for lake paddling...and it renewed our resolve to either make some sails for the boats or get our hands on some soon.

The afternoon wind picked up, but luckily it was at our backs, and the second half of the lake paddle went by in a flash thanks to the wind and waves that carried us along quite swiftly.

Camp that night was lake-side, and we passed the evening playing cards and just looking at the mountains.

The next morning we packed up our boats and gear into our packs. Dude. So heavy!!! I think this is probably the heaviest my pack has been this entire year, and for some reason I thought it would be a good idea to pack our boats in and paddle in some high-altitude lake. That meant thousands of feet of climbing with these things on our backs. In the early hours of the previous morning it had seemed possible to shove all sorts of things in our boats, we would be floating after all, but the next day when trying to shove it all in a pack, I bitterly regretted all the luxuries.

Time to hike! It was only 6 miles anyway to our next camp at Brown's Pass.

So heavy!

Kirk grins and bears it

Longest 6 miles ever.

A lot of the trail on the east side of the park had been gently graded, allowing hikers to keep their pace as the miles passed up to the divide. This side, not so.

It was steep and we labored with our extraordinary loads. Why did I want to go hiking after just completing a 2,700 mile trail?

We look lots of breaks, not only due to the weight, but this place was stunning.

We made it to camp in the late afternoon and after setting up our tarp decided we might just have enough time to make it down the pass to the nearest lake for some paddling. We had carried our boats all this way afterall!

The trail down the Thunderbird drainage was AMAZING. We spied the small Thunderbird Lake and decided it was the place to float. We had intended to make for Lake Francis, but didn't think we had quite enough time to paddle and make it back to camp before dark.

So beautiful.

Then back to camp. The next day we packed up and hiked the 13 miles back to our car at Bowman Lake. Looking at the map one last time I realized we had just spent the past few days on the Pacific Northwest Trail, a 1,200 mile route that travels from Glacier over to the Olympic Peninsula. Coincidence that I found myself on another long distance trail just days after completing the triple crown? I don't think so!

One more night at the edge of Bowman Lake and we headed back to Polebridge to see about doing a section of the Flathead.

We brought a bike in case we wanted to do a bike shuttle, but neither of us felt like riding. I just wanted to sit for a while and not move so much. We decided to launch on the North Fork of the Flathead at the Canadian Border and float back to our car if we could find a shuttle, but after the only guy available told us he couldn't drive a stick shift and it started to rain we decided to scrap the Flathead idea and go somewhere else. So many options!!!

We decided to head south to Bozeman Montana and get some data on the Yellowstone River from Tom and Laurie, an amazing couple I had met on the CDT when I stopped in Lander, WY, and who took me in for a few days when I was hiking near the Butte, MT area.

To Bozeman!

100 Miles left to Canada

With days that seem impossibly long and weeks that pass in a short moment, my Continental Divide Trail thru-hike (and triple crown) is just about 100 miles from the end!

Glacier National Park will be an epic finish to a trail that can only be described as one hell of a challenging and beautiful experience.

Kirk is meeting me at the Canadian border with our packrafts where we will take a leisurely few weeks to road trip back to Bend and hopefully find a few rivers to float.

Any suggestions in Idaho/Montana/Wyoming? I know water levels are quite low in many areas...

Mostly I'm looking forward to not walking for a while, but might as well get on the water if we have a chance!!

Thanks to all who have followed along, my last few blog posts will be here (www.sherahikes.wordpress.com), and we look forward to getting back in the boats to bring you more adventures with packrafts!

One State Down on the Continental Divide Trail

Well, New Mexico is done! I'm currently about 800 miles into my CDT thru-hike and am playing hopscotch with the heavy snow levels still hanging on to the Southern San Juan peaks However the ever industrious Kirk made me some shoe-ski bindings and I've successfully been able to ski some of the divide. I'll be headed back up to the snow soon for another session, but sucessive 80 degree days may let me send the skis home soon. This is a hike, not a ski tour, but what a way to travel across the backbone of the US!

If you haven't checked out my blog here's the link: www.sherahikes.wordpress.com


And lots of photos on my instagram: @wearehikertrash

Continental Divide Trail 2015

I've been writing more on my other blog lately...this winter I'm preparing for a northbound thru-hike of the Continental Divide Trail. This hike will complete my triple crown of long distance trails in the U.S. and, more importantly, give me the chance to disappear into the wilderness for about 5 months. Can't wait!

I hope to do a lot of boating this winter, but many of my trips will be on two feet...like last weekend in the Ochoco Mountains near Bend:

Check in at www.sherahikes.wordpress.com throughout the winter if you are interested in the hike, and follow me when I start from the Mexican border mid-April and start hiking to Canada!

Renee

Hikertrash

Here is my shameless little plug for my new business: hikertrash.

What is hikertrash you might ask?

Backpackers who are out for weeks or months on the trails often are mistaken for the homeless...it could be the smell, or dirt, or ravenous way they attack any kind of food in town. The phrase is common on the trails, and I have been self-identifying as hikertrash for years.

A few years ago I taught myself how to screenprint, designing primarily bike graphics, but a few hikertrash graphics crept in there too.

For this recent incarnation I have partnered with Brian Frankle, founder of ULA packs and designer for Six Moon Design's new pack line. He has the business sense, I have the incurable enthusiam for the hikertrash lifestyle.

We are starting with a line of trucker hats, shirts, stickers & coozies, but have lots of other products and designs in mind.

A percentage of our sales will go to support one of the three long distance trail associations in the U.S.: Pacific Crest Trail Association, Appalachian Trail Conservancy or Continental Divide Trail Coalition.

So take a look, buy a hat or let us know what other kinds of things you would like to see.

Thanks!

Oregon Desert Trail

Last summer I met up with my good friend Sage Clegg as she attempted the first continuous trip on the new Oregon Desert Trail.

The Oregon Desert Trail (ODT) is a 800 mile hiking route that starts near Bend and ends at Lake Owyhee State Park, near the Snake River in Idaho.

Here is an excerpt from my journal during that visit:

As we drove down the two-track dirt road towards Schoolhouse Spring near the base of Oregon Canyon, the headlights bounced off curious jack rabbits and hopping field mice. Dusk brought little relief from the heat, and as we rolled up to our stopping place for the night, cows ran in all directions to escape the path of the vehicle.

We were attempting to meet Sage on the Oregon Desert Trail with gifts of fruit, cold beer and some good company. A strong wind and bright moonlight led to a restless night's sleep, but when Sage walked up at 6:30 the next morning we sprang up ready to hear about her adventure.

Apparently Oregon Canyon had been a bushwhack fest and her legs were red from hundreds of scratches; the brush was not forgiving. After some hot coffee and berries, we donned packs for the 12ish mile hike to Highway 95 where Kirk would meet us and take us into McDermitt for some relief from the sun.

The day was scorching, but I was excited to hike. Even though we just met a few years ago, Sage and I share many through-hiking experiences. Tales of our different Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail and other hiking adventures helped the hot miles pass. We talked of the future of the ODT and the roll we have to play, and when we left the easy hiking of the two-track road for the cross-country miles, we played dodge the sagebrush and hop the fence.

Close to the highway we came upon a cool and clear cow tank and couldn't resist splashing around to escape the 100-plus-degree day. Water was plentiful in this flat walk, thanks to the ranchers and their numerous cow tanks. While it could be scummy with green algae or seeping into the ground in a muddy pool, we both were grateful for the appearance of water. We had both been on desert hikes before, on my Arizona Trail hike I often had to drink from muddy water full of cow pies, but that was infinitely preferable to no water. Sage had experienced all sorts of water sources on her Continental Divide Trail and Grand Enchantment Trail; any water is good water!

 Kirk met us at the road and we sped to the Oregon/Nevada border town of McDermitt. Lunch was in the dark Say When Casino & Cafe on the Nevada side, and after she retrieved her food drop box and gift of cookies from Adam's mom, we drove to Anderson Crossing.

At Anderson Crossing (two day's walk from where the ODT meets Hwy 95) we planned to leave a food cache for Sage, and tonight would camp on the banks of the West Little Owyhee River. The crossing marks a 180-degree shift in trailtread, as from this point to the end of the trail Sage will be walking in the river canyon or along the rim of the dramatic geological wonder.

It was SO HOT, so we plopped camp chairs in the water and popped open a few beers. Little brook trout were plentiful and beaver activity had dammed up the river right above where we sat soaking our feet. 

Kirk and I are packrafters and even though the waterway was narrow and choked with willows at places, decided a pack-rafting alternate would be a great addition to this section of the ODT.

In the morning the sun brought the heat back in full-force. Sage arranged and rearranged her gear; as she wasn't sure how efficient her travel would be though the canyon, she was packing extra food and decided to borrow Kirk's larger Granite Gear Vapor Trail pack (a favorite among many through-hikers for its light weight -- 2 lbs 5 oz -- and large capacity -- 59 liters or 3,600 cubic inches).

We dug a hole in the ground and buried her food, pilling it high with rocks to deter any animals.

We returned to McDermitt, where Sage checked into the motel for a true 0 day (no hiking) to rest her feet and prepare for the next section. After milkshakes and double-bacon cheeseburgers, we said our goodbyes and headed back to Bend.

As we drove down the two-track dirt road towards Schoolhouse Spring near the base of Oregon Canyon, the headlights bounced off curious jack rabbits and hopping field mice. Dusk brought little relief from the heat, and as we rolled up to our stopping place for the night, cows ran in all directions to escape the path of the vehicle.

We were attempting to meet Sage on the Oregon Desert Trail with gifts of fruit, cold beer and some good company. A strong wind and bright moonlight led to a restless night's sleep, but when Sage walked up at 6:30 the next morning we sprang up ready to hear about her adventure.

Apparently Oregon Canyon had been a bushwhack fest and her legs were red from hundreds of scratches; the brush was not forgiving. After some hot coffee and berries, we donned packs for the 12ish mile hike to Highway 95 where Kirk would meet us and take us into McDermitt for some relief from the sun.

The day was scorching, but I was excited to hike. Even though we just met a few years ago, Sage and I share many through-hiking experiences. Tales of our different Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail and other hiking adventures helped the hot miles pass. We talked of the future of the ODT and the roll we have to play, and when we left the easy hiking of the two-track road for the cross-country miles, we played dodge the sagebrush and hop the fence.

Close to the highway we came upon a cool and clear cow tank and couldn't resist splashing around to escape the 100-plus-degree day. Water was plentiful in this flat walk, thanks to the ranchers and their numerous cow tanks. While it could be scummy with green algae or seeping into the ground in a muddy pool, we both were grateful for the appearance of water. We had both been on desert hikes before, on my Arizona Trail hike I often had to drink from muddy water full of cow pies, but that was infinitely preferable to no water. Sage had experienced all sorts of water sources on her Continental Divide Trail and Grand Enchantment Trail; any water is good water!

Kirk met us at the road and we sped to the Oregon/Nevada border town of McDermitt. Lunch was in the dark Say When Casino & Cafe on the Nevada side, and after she retrieved her food drop box and gift of cookies from Adam's mom, we drove to Anderson Crossing.

At Anderson Crossing (two day's walk from where the ODT meets Hwy 95) we planned to leave a food cache for Sage, and tonight would camp on the banks of the West Little Owyhee River. The crossing marks a 180-degree shift in trailtread, as from this point to the end of the trail Sage will be walking in the river canyon or along the rim of the dramatic geological wonder.

It was SO HOT, so we plopped camp chairs in the water and popped open a few beers. Little brook trout were plentiful and beaver activity had dammed up the river right above where we sat soaking our feet.

Kirk and I are packrafters and even though the waterway was narrow and choked with willows at places, decided a pack-rafting alternate would be a great addition to this section of the ODT.

In the morning the sun brought the heat back in full-force. Sage arranged and rearranged her gear; as she wasn't sure how efficient her travel would be though the canyon, she was packing extra food and decided to borrow Kirk's larger Granite Gear Vapor Trail pack (a favorite among many through-hikers for its light weight -- 2 lbs 5 oz -- and large capacity -- 59 liters or 3,600 cubic inches).

We dug a hole in the ground and buried her food, pilling it high with rocks to deter any animals.

We returned to McDermitt, where Sage checked into the motel for a true 0 day (no hiking) to rest her feet and prepare for the next section. After milkshakes and double-bacon cheeseburgers, we said our goodbyes and headed back to Bend.

It was great to be able to meet her in the midst of the hike and set her up for the next section. I'm excited to see the results of Sage's hike for when I tackle a through-hike of the ODT in a few years
- See more at: http://onda.org/where-we-work/oregon-desert-trail/blog/on-to-mcdermitt#sthash.U7RYtXVc.dpuf

As we drove down the two-track dirt road towards Schoolhouse Spring near the base of Oregon Canyon, the headlights bounced off curious jack rabbits and hopping field mice. Dusk brought little relief from the heat, and as we rolled up to our stopping place for the night, cows ran in all directions to escape the path of the vehicle.

We were attempting to meet Sage on the Oregon Desert Trail with gifts of fruit, cold beer and some good company. A strong wind and bright moonlight led to a restless night's sleep, but when Sage walked up at 6:30 the next morning we sprang up ready to hear about her adventure.

Apparently Oregon Canyon had been a bushwhack fest and her legs were red from hundreds of scratches; the brush was not forgiving. After some hot coffee and berries, we donned packs for the 12ish mile hike to Highway 95 where Kirk would meet us and take us into McDermitt for some relief from the sun.

The day was scorching, but I was excited to hike. Even though we just met a few years ago, Sage and I share many through-hiking experiences. Tales of our different Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail and other hiking adventures helped the hot miles pass. We talked of the future of the ODT and the roll we have to play, and when we left the easy hiking of the two-track road for the cross-country miles, we played dodge the sagebrush and hop the fence.

Close to the highway we came upon a cool and clear cow tank and couldn't resist splashing around to escape the 100-plus-degree day. Water was plentiful in this flat walk, thanks to the ranchers and their numerous cow tanks. While it could be scummy with green algae or seeping into the ground in a muddy pool, we both were grateful for the appearance of water. We had both been on desert hikes before, on my Arizona Trail hike I often had to drink from muddy water full of cow pies, but that was infinitely preferable to no water. Sage had experienced all sorts of water sources on her Continental Divide Trail and Grand Enchantment Trail; any water is good water!

Kirk met us at the road and we sped to the Oregon/Nevada border town of McDermitt. Lunch was in the dark Say When Casino & Cafe on the Nevada side, and after she retrieved her food drop box and gift of cookies from Adam's mom, we drove to Anderson Crossing.

At Anderson Crossing (two day's walk from where the ODT meets Hwy 95) we planned to leave a food cache for Sage, and tonight would camp on the banks of the West Little Owyhee River. The crossing marks a 180-degree shift in trailtread, as from this point to the end of the trail Sage will be walking in the river canyon or along the rim of the dramatic geological wonder.

It was SO HOT, so we plopped camp chairs in the water and popped open a few beers. Little brook trout were plentiful and beaver activity had dammed up the river right above where we sat soaking our feet.

Kirk and I are packrafters and even though the waterway was narrow and choked with willows at places, decided a pack-rafting alternate would be a great addition to this section of the ODT.

In the morning the sun brought the heat back in full-force. Sage arranged and rearranged her gear; as she wasn't sure how efficient her travel would be though the canyon, she was packing extra food and decided to borrow Kirk's larger Granite Gear Vapor Trail pack (a favorite among many through-hikers for its light weight -- 2 lbs 5 oz -- and large capacity -- 59 liters or 3,600 cubic inches).

We dug a hole in the ground and buried her food, pilling it high with rocks to deter any animals.

We returned to McDermitt, where Sage checked into the motel for a true 0 day (no hiking) to rest her feet and prepare for the next section. After milkshakes and double-bacon cheeseburgers, we said our goodbyes and headed back to Bend.

It was great to be able to meet her in the midst of the hike and set her up for the next section. I'm excited to see the results of Sage's hike for when I tackle a through-hike of the ODT in a few years
- See more at: http://onda.org/where-we-work/oregon-desert-trail/blog/on-to-mcdermitt#sthash.U7RYtXVc.dpuf

As we drove down the two-track dirt road towards Schoolhouse Spring near the base of Oregon Canyon, the headlights bounced off curious jack rabbits and hopping field mice. Dusk brought little relief from the heat, and as we rolled up to our stopping place for the night, cows ran in all directions to escape the path of the vehicle.

We were attempting to meet Sage on the Oregon Desert Trail with gifts of fruit, cold beer and some good company. A strong wind and bright moonlight led to a restless night's sleep, but when Sage walked up at 6:30 the next morning we sprang up ready to hear about her adventure.

Apparently Oregon Canyon had been a bushwhack fest and her legs were red from hundreds of scratches; the brush was not forgiving. After some hot coffee and berries, we donned packs for the 12ish mile hike to Highway 95 where Kirk would meet us and take us into McDermitt for some relief from the sun.

The day was scorching, but I was excited to hike. Even though we just met a few years ago, Sage and I share many through-hiking experiences. Tales of our different Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail and other hiking adventures helped the hot miles pass. We talked of the future of the ODT and the roll we have to play, and when we left the easy hiking of the two-track road for the cross-country miles, we played dodge the sagebrush and hop the fence.

Close to the highway we came upon a cool and clear cow tank and couldn't resist splashing around to escape the 100-plus-degree day. Water was plentiful in this flat walk, thanks to the ranchers and their numerous cow tanks. While it could be scummy with green algae or seeping into the ground in a muddy pool, we both were grateful for the appearance of water. We had both been on desert hikes before, on my Arizona Trail hike I often had to drink from muddy water full of cow pies, but that was infinitely preferable to no water. Sage had experienced all sorts of water sources on her Continental Divide Trail and Grand Enchantment Trail; any water is good water!

Kirk met us at the road and we sped to the Oregon/Nevada border town of McDermitt. Lunch was in the dark Say When Casino & Cafe on the Nevada side, and after she retrieved her food drop box and gift of cookies from Adam's mom, we drove to Anderson Crossing.

At Anderson Crossing (two day's walk from where the ODT meets Hwy 95) we planned to leave a food cache for Sage, and tonight would camp on the banks of the West Little Owyhee River. The crossing marks a 180-degree shift in trailtread, as from this point to the end of the trail Sage will be walking in the river canyon or along the rim of the dramatic geological wonder.

It was SO HOT, so we plopped camp chairs in the water and popped open a few beers. Little brook trout were plentiful and beaver activity had dammed up the river right above where we sat soaking our feet.

Kirk and I are packrafters and even though the waterway was narrow and choked with willows at places, decided a pack-rafting alternate would be a great addition to this section of the ODT.

In the morning the sun brought the heat back in full-force. Sage arranged and rearranged her gear; as she wasn't sure how efficient her travel would be though the canyon, she was packing extra food and decided to borrow Kirk's larger Granite Gear Vapor Trail pack (a favorite among many through-hikers for its light weight -- 2 lbs 5 oz -- and large capacity -- 59 liters or 3,600 cubic inches).

We dug a hole in the ground and buried her food, pilling it high with rocks to deter any animals.

We returned to McDermitt, where Sage checked into the motel for a true 0 day (no hiking) to rest her feet and prepare for the next section. After milkshakes and double-bacon cheeseburgers, we said our goodbyes and headed back to Bend.

It was great to be able to meet her in the midst of the hike and set her up for the next section. I'm excited to see the results of Sage's hike for when I tackle a through-hike of the ODT in a few years
- See more at: http://onda.org/where-we-work/oregon-desert-trail/blog/on-to-mcdermitt#sthash.U7RYtXVc.dpuf

No shortage to the adventures

It has been a bit of a "dry" summer for us lately. Oh the rivers are running, albeit they are all pretty low this time of year, but we've been caught up in a bit of backpacking, sailing and road-tripping, all things that impact our packrafting time!

But the cooler temps are around the corner and snow in the mountains will mean water in the rivers. This will be the first winter I will have a dry suit, so we are looking forward to adding some variety to our ski weekends this year.

Oh man, life is rough in Central Oregon!

Scouting in the Three Sisters Wilderness - Fall Creek, Green Lakes, Soda Creek

We spent the weekend scouting out a few creeks that come out of the three sisters wilderness (Bend's backyard), and though we didn't run any stout waterfalls (wood, pointy rocks, snow) it was an amazing weekend of floating, scouting, bushwhacking and basking in the sun.

Fall Creek

The first waterfall was a little intimidating

Parking at Green Lakes trail head, we loaded the boats into the packs. I carried the beer (feeling generous since it was Kirk's birthday weekend). Before long we reached the first waterfall. Too much wood in this one to run, and too shallow. While we could have boated the 1/4 mile from below the waterfall to the car, we stored this small stretch into the "yeah, we could boat out from here, but too much effort right now" file.

The water was running well, but the wood meant certain death to the packrafts (especially shy about wood since Kirk's boat sank into Paulina Creek). Another issue to the many drops we encountered on the way up Fall Creek were the shallow landings. Sometimes 6" was all that buffered a significant drop. Again, not extremely wise in a boat with thin taped seams.

although hard to see a log/root wad block the middle of this drop

We decided to outfit a packraft for whitewater purposes, one should put a bumper on the boat. If we got a length of the floor material, and glued large patches of it from the floor to midway up the side tubes, one would have a better chance of running up against a few stouter sticks and not sinking into the water. Yes, it would add weight, but we would be able to boat more of the creeks around here.

As we hiked further upstream on Fall Creek, we again saw short stretches that were boatable, but not getting out in time would be disaster. So, we kept hiking...all the way up to Green Lakes.  

Green Lakes

Imagine an easy access trail head serving a population of over 200,000 + tourists. For Central Oregon, that easy access trail head with the most rewards is probably Green Lakes Trailhead. A mere 4ish miles has day hikers at the base of South Sister and Broken Top with the satisfying feeling of being a little bit closer to nature.

Kirk and I started mushing through snow as we approach Green Lakes and as soon as I saw the snow fields dropping into the lake water, knew what i had to do. We inflated the boats and sledded them into the water with a splash.

FUN!

Since we had hiked up a few beers, and there just happened to be a floating ice chunk in the lake, we had the perfect "cooler." I paddled up to the floating ice, plopped down our PBRs and just had to wait a few minutes for our frosty beverages.

Beers chilling in the ice

Packrafts make great floating crafts, and we played all over the lake for the next while.

Next on our agenda was scouting Soda Creek.  

Soda Creek

Making our way to the southern base of Broken Top, we started hiking down the Soda Creek drainage. Again, from the top of the trail, the next 1/4 mile was packraftable, but continuous with no eddies and ending in an 80' waterfall. We passed and kept on hiking.

A little bit of snow walking kept things interesting

Kirk checking out the view

The drainage loses major elevation and we encountered more waterfalls that were not runnable. We made camp above a huge series of drops, (300ish feet) on some rock ledges. Amazing camp location, awful camp site. Our tent was on the only flatish ground we could find (not flat) and we both spent the night sliding down the slight incline.

Coffee on the rocks

Carefully bushwhacking our way down the hundreds of feet of creek-side terrain was tricky, but we noted a fantastic rock slide area that would be good to packraft once water levels dropped a bit. Again, at the current levels, one would easily be swept down some gnarly waterfalls at the end of the boatable sections. The eddies were flushing with no place to stop; at lower water, these would be merely pool drops with eddies.

Finding the best route down

Below where the Soda Creek trail crosses the creek there were also some good prackraftable areas; they could be too rocky at lower water or could be perfect! Will have to come back in a month and see what's what. So, all in all didn't get in a lot of packrafting this weekend, but was able to scout out some possibilities for the future. We ended the trip with a float on Devil's Lake, a crystal clear road-side lake. Absolutely gorgeous.

Ok, this looks good, but may wait for the water to go down a bit so we don't get swept off the 40 ft waterfall below.