South Fork of the Smith

South Fork Gorge

After my first run of Oregon Hole Gorge I wanted to run the South Fork Gorge and was told that it was a "step up." This is definitely true when the gorges have some water in them and the South Fork Gorge becomes fierce, but at lower flows the South Fork Gorge is a quick fun run. I'd say with 400-600 cfs the gorge is class IV for kayakers.

I've seen the gorge run sucessfully (and unsuccessfully - see below) in rafts as low as 500 cfs and as high as 2000 cfs. It is a very fun technical challenge in a raft. Beyond the challenge of the rapids, this is a beautiful place and should be savored like a fine wine.

Raft having some trouble in "the Boof"	Paddlers going for a swim above the last rapid

To take out you can either carry your boats up the narrow trail just below the South Fork Bridge or float a few miles down to Jed Smith for an easier take out.