We woke up to an early breakfast with tension in the air. We were camped only a mile above the Lake Creek Rapid which had been altered by a major mudslide this past winter. After a breakfast of Dan's Hot Buns and Fruit Salad, we shoved off from Big Snag Campsite. The Lake Creek Rapid (MP20) was very easy to scout and identify. There is a huge alluvial fan coming off of the creek on the right that backs the river up for a 1/4 mile or more. It is easy to eddy out to scout before running.

The line in the new Lake Creek is three moves. The first is missing the large tree in the entrance on the left side. This requires a strong back ferry to stay away from it. Past the tree there is some moving flow going into three trees that are in the channel. You can run right or left of them, but left is the prefered route. Its an easy move with a lot of time to set it up. The third move is to stay away from the logs down at the bottom of the rapid. This also reguires a strong ferry away from the center of the river. This rapid is constantly changing, and should be scouted.

The Lake Creek alluvial fan coming off Lake Creek.

Dan running

Scouting the entrance to Lake Creek

Looking down the middle of Lake Creek Rapid

The wood at the bottom of the rapid

Jason running past the logs in Lake Creek

Right after Lake Creek Rapid is Pistol Creek Rapid (MP21.4). This rapid has a sweet move through some waves and avoiding the pyramid rock in the center.

Sandi running Pistol Creek Rapid.

Josh and Colin about to crash into the pyramid of rocks in the center of the rapid.

Typical Middle Fork scenery below Pistol.

Liz riverboarding with a smile, as usual.

At Indian Creek Airstrip (MP24.2) we picked up a few coolers that we had flown in with Salmon Air. It costs about $100 per cooler, but with impending low water it made more sense to keep the boats light for the first three days. They have put a GREAT composting toilet in at the airstrip.

At Little Soldier Camp (MP30.8) there is a great surf wave after the river bends sharply left. From there its only a short mile down to the Marble Creek Camp.

We stayed at Marble Creek Lower Camp (MP31.7) which had amazing play spots for the kayakers. From the camp ground, there is a trail along the bank that goes for about 1/4 mile up to the two spots. The lower spot is a beautiful fast wave. The upper spot is a sweet hole that is deep enough for cartwheels and loops. A great spot to camp at for kayaking groups!

Dan on the lower Marble Creek Wave

Dan in the upper hole

Cartwheels in the upper hole

Sidesurfing the upper hole

The upper and lower holes. Amazing play so close together!

Grouse visiting us at camp.

Josh carfully lining up the perfect extreme wilderness croquet shot.

Extreme croqueters. Josh contemplates trenching.

Log ramp.

Lower Marble Creek Camp.

The cobbley beach at Marble Creek Camp.

Pushing off for day 4.

WAt the camp we played 5 Crowns, a sweet card game from Cindy. Sandi made 12 (or so) bean tortilla casorole with cookies. Colin spotted a huge Otter on the far bank as we played.

Click here to Day 4.

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