Lane county has a vast resource of recreational rivers and streams. This map attempts to classify and indicate to its readers what whitewater resources are found in Lane County for recreation. This map initially divides the rivers into two categories: those that can be run by many different types of boats, multi craft, and those that can only be run by smaller crafts. The multi craft runs are for boats that can not travel down steep shallow water or narrow gorges, including rafts, drift boats and other larger boats. The smaller craft rivers are rivers and streams that may be too narrow or steep and often vary in depth with rainfall making it difficult for larger boats to travel. This map also includes the generalized river classes and whether or not the rivers will change in class due to weather. This is intended to allow the reader better understanding of what types of whitewater recreation are here in Lane County, but only as a generalized reference. Due to variation in water levels, flows and generalized classification, it is recommended to consult other sources as a reference and obtain proper whitewater instruction before attempting any of these runs.
UO Outdoor Program River trip in Lane County
The river classification system used for this site comes from the American Whitewater Affiliation Web Page International Scale of Difficulty as reprinted below:
Whitewater Difficulty Classification
Class I: Easy. Fast moving water with riffles and small waves. Few obstructions, all obvious and easily missed with little training. Risk to swimmers is slight; self-rescue is easy.
Class II: Novice. Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium sized waves are easily missed by trained paddlers. Swimmers are seldom injured and group assistance, while helpful, is seldom needed. Rapids that are at the upper end of this difficulty range are designated "Class II+".
Class III: Intermediate. Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid and which can swamp an open canoe. Complex maneuvers in fast current and good
boat control in tight passages or around ledges are often required; large waves or strainers may be present but are easily avoided. Strong eddies and powerful current effects can be
found, particularly on large-volume rivers. Scouting is advisable for inexperienced parties. Injuries while swimming are rare; self-rescue is usually easy but group assistance may be
required to avoid long swims. Rapids that are at the lower or upper end of this difficulty range are designated "Class III-" or "Class III+" respectively.
Class IV: Advanced. Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. Depending on the character of the river, it may feature large,
unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure. A fast, reliable eddy turn may be needed to initiate maneuvers, scout rapids, or rest. Rapids may require must'' moves above dangerous hazards. Scouting may be necessary the first time down. Risk of injury to swimmers is moderate to high, and water conditions may make self-rescue difficult. Group assistance for rescue is often essential but requires practiced skills. A strong Eskimo roll is highly recommended. Rapids that are at the upper end of this difficulty range are designated "Class IV-" or "Class IV+" respectively.
Class 5: Expert. Extremely long, obstructed, or very violent rapids which expose a paddler to added risk. Drops may contain large, unavoidable waves and holes or steep, congested chutes with complex, demanding routes. Rapids may continue for long distances between pools, demanding a high level of fitness. What eddies exist may be small, turbulent, or difficult to reach. At the high end of the scale, several of these factors may be combined. Scouting is Recommended but may be difficult. Swims are dangerous, and rescue is often difficult even for experts. A very reliable Eskimo roll, proper equipment, extensive experience, and practiced rescue skills are essential. Because of the large range of difficulty that exists beyond class IV, Class 5 is an open ended, multiple level scale designated by Class 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, etc... Each of these levels is an order of magnitude more difficult than the last. Example: Increasing difficulty from class 5.0 to class 5.1 is a similar order of magnitude as increasing from class IV to Class 5.0.
Class VI: Extreme and Exploratory. These runs have almost never been attempted and often exemplify the extremes of difficulty, unpredictability and danger. The consequences of errors are very severe and rescue may be impossible. For teams of experts only, at favorable water levels, after close personal inspection and taking all precautions. After a Class VI rapids has been run many times, It's rating may be changed to an appropriate Class 5.x rating.
UO Outdoor Program Trip in Lane County
The classification of the rivers on the map of River Recreation in the Lane County Atlas are generalized to fit the format and vary do to weather conditions. Below is a table showing the rivers a less generalized classing, ideal flows, and the seasons in which these same stretches of river can be run. This information comes from the Willamette Kayak & Canoe Club and Robb Keller, and can be found in their respective books Soggy Sneakers and Paddling Oregon.
The data in this table can be used simultaneously with data from Pat Welch's river level web page to see what the rivers level is at present. Some of his links are already attached to this table.
