Cache La Poudre River - Rustic (Upper)

Description

Upper Rustic is a fun run that doesn't see too much action.  As with all Poudre Runs the put in is really up to you, and there are many river access options scattered throughout the run.

This run is easy class III at all but the highest flows.  With the right flows this section would be great for advancing intermediates looking for some variety from the standard Bridges fare downstream.  For most, the entire run is straightforward read and run with the possible exception of the "White Mile."  The first time I ran the White Mile the flow was 4.3', and everyone in our group agreed the rapid was nothing spectacular - a Class III rapid slightly harder than the rest of the run.  I didn't make it back to Upper Rustic for a few years when we decided to make the journey back up the canyon in the magical summer of 2011 with the flow at a respectable 5.2'.  At these flows the character of "White Mile" changes dramatically - it becomes a very significant Class IV rapid.  At these flows it may be the largest rapid on the Poudre outside of the Narrows or the upper canyon runs. 

Takeout just after passing the town of Rustic or continue into Lower Rustic, generally a fun half step up in difficulty from Upper Rustic.  Rafts in particular should be careful to watch out for the low bridge between the two runs.