Cramer Creek Rapid on the Main Salmon River, Idaho

All photographs copyrighted by Bill Schmoker. Publication-quality 300dpi versions of many of the images contained in this web site are available- inquiries welcomed- email bill@schmoker.org

Until August 5, 2003, boaters finishing their Middle Fork of the Salmon River trips had a few relaxing miles on the Main Salmon before taking out at Cache Bar. But things changed that day when a thunderstorm flooded Cramer Creek about a half-mile upstream of the takeout, choking the river with tons of debris and turning what was a fun wave train into a complete "de-rigger." Don't let this beast surprise you- it is easily scouted from the road on river right.

For reference, the Middle Fork gauge at the Middle Fork Lodge was at about 3.1 feet when the above shot was taken. The center run has a big surging wave that likes to flip boats, while the favored right run has rocks and big drops to navigate. While we scouted a couple of boats tried and made a left run, but needed lots of speed to break to the left out of trouble. (Click these links to see animated GIFs)

Cramer Creek Rapid Photos June 26 2005 (Click to enlarge)

	Animated GIFs: The Wave Flipping in Cramer Rapid The Right Run

Want more? Click here to visit Oregon Rafting's Cramer Rapid page

All photographs copyrighted by the author. Publication-quality 300dpi versions and prints of many of the images contained in this web site are available- inquiries welcomed- email bill@schmoker.org