The Lower Wind River is one of few rivers I know of that is worth returning to once summer flows cripple the runs on most others. At higher flows, the run is solid Class V rafting and IV+ kayaking, but at the small trickle that is left in June and July, it is more of a creeky, rock bashing festival down to Shippard's Falls, the main reason most people hit this run. Check out the Lower Wind in these other TRs to see some higher water action:

5/29/2006- Wind River, Stabler to Colombia River WA - IV+ (V)
4/30/2006- Wind River, Stabler to Columbia River, WA - IV+ (V, P)
4/28/2006- Wind River, Stabler to Columbia River, WA - IV+ (V, P)
4/2/2006- Wind River, High Bridge to Columbia River, WA - IV (V, P)

The "Horn Rock" that is used at higher flows for a gauge now stands fully exposed.

The run starts really slowly as it meanders around the corner toward High Bridge Rapid. This boulder garden is really bouldery, and all of the rocks that normally make this difficult tower over your head. The crux of the rapid is right above the bridge pilings, and is run far right off the boof ledge. The normal left line will land you on a pile of rocks. High pin potential in a lot of these boulder gardens.

The crux of High Bridge Rapid at low water on the Wind.

Below the High Bridge is the lower canyon. It is amazing at lower water and is a favorite river spot of mine. This run is worth doing just to see this canyon. Super amazing canyon walls and river.

Looking up from deep in the canyon.

The river is pretty mellow until a sweeping left corner and horizon line lead into The Flume. This is normally a large sliding rapid with tons of waves and fun. At low flow it turns into a marginally runable Class V rock garden. The lead in is left and then jogs back right before crashing into the boulder at the bottom. There are lots of shallow rocks in here, and it drops steeply. Heather and I both ran with success, but at much lower flows it would be pretty sketchy.

Looking down The Flume, the boulder at the bottom left is the one to avoid.

Heather Herbeck runs the entrance to The Flume.

After The Flume is Beyond Limits, indicated by the fish ladder on the left side. Portage left or center, or run the fish ladder or far right. The normal falls is now a shelf on the right side that has a sweet boof over a sticky hole. Safety is easy here because the shelf in the middle of the river is exposed to stand on.

Heather boofs the hole at the bottom of Beyond Limits

About 1/2 mile below Beyond Limits, a walking bridge crosses the river indicating the start of Shippard's Falls. At higher flows, this drop would be foolish to attempt, but at the lower, more manageable summer flows, these falls make an awesome place for Hike-and-Huck. Heather and I did a few laps on the 12-footer at the top, and I ran the 18-footer a few times. The lower slide is run center left next to the rooster tail, and the lowhead dam at the bottom should be run far left.

Jonathan Blum runs the 18-footer in Shippard's Falls.

Looking down from the 18-footer, the slide is visible downstream, and the lowhead is noticeable next to the concrete structure bottom left.

Heather Herbeck runs the slide below the 18-footer.

Looking back up towards Shippard's Falls from below.

Heather and I loved these drops, and can't wait to head back up there for more. There are hot springs downstream on the left side.

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