We had a blast on the Crooked, despite popping the Slice in Number Two

I R1'd to the top of Wapdedoodle, but on one tube, and then I hopped in with Nila and Geoffrey for the rest of the run. Robert and Blake hauled the rolled slice in their boat to the take out. Much thanks.

All of the rapids on the Upper were relatively straightforward. Just big, steep, and fast, with some really intimidating looking horizon lines. But, everything was manageable, just watch out for rocks.

The Crooked River feeds out of Prineville and Ochoco Reservoirs Northeast of Bend, OR in Prineville. It is rather rare for it to release enough water to raft, but when it does it's worth the drive and the pain and suffering that comes with the run. The Upper stretch is about 17 miles long, contains a lot of scenic flat water floating, and 5 particularly big rapids with a bunch of Class IIIIV boogie mixed in. Definitely not a beginner float, but if you've got the skills it's one of the best day trips in the United States. The float through Smith Rock is amazing. It's a whole different experience floating through it than hiking it.

The hikeout, however, is a different story. If you choose to take out at China Dam rapid, you're faced with a ~1.5 mile hike up to the Crooked River Ranch. Needless to say, that was a pretty tough hike with 4 rafts and a kayak. Absolutely worth it but I recommend an early start and running all the way to Billy Chinook Reservoir. It's supposed to add about 10 miles (7 or so on the Lower, 3 or so on the Reservoir), but next time I'll be starting early and have a nice little paddle out or get a tow.

Super fun times, we all had a blast, and we're blessed to have the friends we do going down the river with us.

Robert, Blake, Geoffrey, Aaron, Matthew, you guys are all legends ✌

Thanks for watching!
Nate & Nila

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