Rob Mcibbin, Jeff, Brett Barton, Monique, Mike Tennant, Mike Harms, Chris, Justin, Bryan, Bryan, and too many others to remember ended up on the Tilton after heavy rains shut us out of Canyon Creek (Lewis).  In total 21 people ran together this day… it was great to see so many people out on the river.  The river begins and ends slow, so bring a water bottle and a Powerbar for the paddle out.  Set shuttle before running as this would be a very long walk and would be near impossible to hitch (its 30 minutes drive put-in to take out). 

The group rallies at the playwave beach.  Monique Simon photo.

The first few miles of this are gradual and have a few fun waves and corners.  There are a few log piles along the sides so keep an eye for any new movement or logs in the river.  The first notable rapid comes about 3 miles down, after the confluence with Beak Creek.  This drop can be scouted on the right, but does not have significant hazard.  Straight down the middle is good.  The river narrows for a bit here into a beautiful gorge that has lots of moss and green in it.

Around the next corner was a very large, river-wide log jam.  The water coming up to it was slow, and it was no problem to portage left, right or directly over it (I never condone walking on logs in a river, but even I climbed over this one).  At higher water, this might become a more significant hazard with more current going into it, but 1800, it was reasonably easy.  It was entertaining to see 21 kayakers portaging over this jam… lots of color and laughs.  Mike and Rob opted for a seal launch off the log-jam which is not recommended, while Jeff launched off the rocks on the right, slick.  There is also a trail around to the left of the jam.  Watch for these logs once this breaks free.

Below the portage festival the river opens back up and the smaller rapids continue.  When you see a large wall on the right with a gravel island on the left, stay right for good surf and play on a few bedrock shelves.  The lowest wave has alright eddy service (it’s a bit of a struggle, or walk on the beach is easy).  This is a good spot to stop and stretch your legs with a small beach and decent play.

The author backsurfs in a creek boat... awesome.  Monique Simon photo.

Jeff Bowman sets up for the move.  Monique Simon photo.

Brett Barton spins to win...  Monique Simon photo.

Around the next corner is another awesome play spot that come in prime at flows 1200-2000.  It has really good service at 1400ish.  There are a few more small rapids before dropping into the best gorge on the run.  The final gorge has some great Class III-IV- whitewater in a narrow boulder garden.  The first rapid in the final gorge, known as Leap of Faith, is a busy class IV with big waves and powerful hydraulics.  Run right of the large rock in the middle at lower flows.  This may turn into a large hole at higher flows.  Otherwise just line up straight and paddle hard. 

There are many waterfalls that come down the canyon walls if its raining, so enjoy the canyon while its there.  As it opens up, huge basalt towers mark the end of the Tilton River and the beginning of Mayfield Lake.  From here it is about 2.5 miles paddling out to the takout.  At 1800 cfs we had current for almost a mile out of the river.  The scenery is nice, so sit back, relax and it will go by like nothing.  Takeout is at Ike Kinswa State Park.

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