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| The West Branch of the Beaver River is generally not a particularly interesting reach for whitewater boaters. It does, however, contain one incredible drop, Glen Avon Falls, easily accessed just off local roads. The above photos show the view looking downstream (above left) and back upstream (above right). While I have only visited it once (and had already changed-out of boating clothes for the day), it was interesting to pick hypothetical lines down this amazing, steep slide. From the top of the falls, looking out toward the horizon, you see Lake Superior in the distance. |
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The East Branch of the Beaver River has a fine run. A moderate flatwater access paddle leads to a long, slightly technical drop. Slightly more than halfway down this drop, a river-wide ledge may cause some concern. Best routes generally are either far left or far right, as the middle looks a bit 'grabby'. The drop continues around a bend, with the best flow generally being fairly tight to the right wall.
Not far downstream, as the river takes a bend to the right, prepare to scout (usually from river right), as you approach the Three Falls. The first (pictured above left) is steep and irregular. While it has been run, it is not real 'friendly' looking. Water boils in the pool at its base as the river is diverted sharply right, to pour down another 15' falls into another boiling pool. Swinging back to the left, the river heads to one final falls (pictured above right). (Note: the right photo is an 'animated gif file'. If it is not 'playing', press the 'reload' or 'refresh' button in your browser to repeat the animation.) This wide falls can be run a number of places, though we have generally stayed right-of-center. Landing a 'boof' is generally quite easy, though it has been proven that (at least in places) there is sufficient depth to 'pencil-in' as well. |
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| After the confluence of the East and West Branches of the Beaver, the river takes a short 'breather' before its final leap to Lake Superior. In its final mile, the combined flow makes some very meaty drops, indeed. This is territory for experienced boaters with expert control. Steep chutes, big falls with rocks in landing zones, and nasty undercuts abound, as displayed in the photos above and below. |
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| The biggest slides are just before the Hwy.61 bridge. The one pictured above has been attempted, running a 'crease' in the face of the slide. While there have been successful runs of this, be aware of the serious risk of your boat being stopped and wedged in the slot partway down. In at least one such case, the boater was left with injuries (sprained/broken ankle(s)). |
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| Looking almost straight down from the upstream side of the Hwy.61 bridge, this final big jumbled drop holds few inviting lines. Turning the camera downstream, I caught the beauty of a sandbar at the mouth of the river and Lake Superior out beyond. |