Upper Lehigh River - Initiation

Map

Description

This is actually several small rapids at the start of the run. The first is at the railroad bridge crossing, with a shallow squirt eddy on river right at the bridge pier. Just below this is a small surfing wave with an eddy on river left.

After this is a short stretch of whitewater. Follow the current down the center to the pool below.

The next stretch should be entered to the left of center. Follow the current as it meanders to the right, back to the left, and then down the center to the end of the rapid. Watch out for numerous rocks, and for rafting companies' photographers on river left.

Photos


Looking upstream at surfing wave in first section.


Looking downstream at start of second section.


Looking upstream from near the end of the third section.

Satellite Photos - from terraserver.microsoft.com and the USGS, taken on April 15, 1992 with the river flowing at about 600 cfs.

 

This information is my opinion only
and may not reflect actual conditions.
It is based on my usually hazy memory,
and should not be used to decide whether
you or your guides are qualified to run the river.