Pit River near Pit Falls

This run hasn't been listed in a guidebook since Charles Martin included it in Sierra Whitewater, published in 1974. Charles Martin also described three easier downstream runs, now mostly dewatered by hydro diversions, but possible future summer runs depending on the outcome of FERC relicensing. In his 3rd edition (1998), Lars Holbek finally included a less hydro-impacted upstream run, also described in the Charles Martin book: the 24 river miles from Nubieber to Pittville, class V with several portages.

Rapids on this run are caused by relatively recent volcanic activity. Lava flows have formed natural dams, which the river has incised to create unusual and sometimes spectacular rapids. At high flows there is a mandatory portage at Pit Falls, a 30' vertical drop over a particularly large lava flow. At moderate flows such as the scheduled release, Pit Falls is runnable class V, with a class IV sneak route on the far right.

About .1 mile below the put-in bridge is a weir rapid. After that the river is flat until mile 2, where the gradient picks up to 70 fpm until the falls, and the river drops thru many lava dams. Photos on this page were taken with the flow around 5500 cfs.

Brownwater rapid on the upper section

Steep rapid on the upper section

More normal rapids are encountered in the mile above the falls. At mile 4.9 make certain to exit on river right, well above Pit Falls.

Scary view from the lip of Pit Falls	Beautiful Pit Falls from the portage route
Overgrown road makes for a strenuous portage	Lowering boats on a rope from the old bridge

Below the falls, gradient increases to 80 fpm until mile 7.1, where Pit #1 Powerhouse sluiceway comes in.

Too busy to enjoy the good canyon scenery!	Lava cliffs tower over a big long rapid
Very steep rapid in the lower section	More trees grow along the lower canyon

Below the powerhouse, good surfing waves abound with the increased flow, although the gradient is only 30 fpm to take-out.

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