Henrys Fork of the Snake - Hatchery Ford to Above Upper Mesa Falls

Description

The henry's fork is a fun run with a couple clean (sort of) ledge type drops. The run sometimes has a volume feel when things narrow and a creeky feel when the river is wide. Nearly all of the rock is pourous and grips your boat. Bear this in mind when planning lines.

Put in at hatchery ford. There are 2 short box canyons containing the significant whitewater. The first canyon is the highlight with 2 large ledge type rapids. Scout right. The left wall on the first is under cut and most paddlers need to fight to stay off the wall. The second rapid dishes out the hits and few make it through upright. It's a deep pool below though so it's pretty good to go. The second canyon contains a chunky ledge that is usually run just to the right or just to the left of the rock in the middle several feet above water.

There is another ledge drop near the end that causes trouble at high water. Set safety as neccessary. Take out on the left above the 100+ foot Upper mesa.

If you had a good run and are ready for a big step up hike down to lower mesa for a photogenic double drop.