You are viewing a single comment's thread from:

RE: Utah River Report - Weber River hwy 89 to Riverdale

in #packrafting • last month

Additional Exploration

Other Sections of the Weber River: The Weber is a 125-mile river with several runnable stretches, each offering something a bit different:

  • Upper Weber (Aspen Acres to Wanship/Coalville): In its upper reaches near Oakley and Coalville, the Weber is smaller and more technical. One segment, Aspen Acres to North New Lane, is Class II+ (with even some Class III drops) and is “ideal for inflatables and lightweight kayaks” like packrafts, though it has two mandatory portages (likely logjams or diversion dams) (Weber 01. Aspen Acres to North New Lane - American Whitewater). It’s a little-known adventure run that needs a decent flow (600 cfs optimal, runnable ~450 cfs (Weber 01. Aspen Acres to North New Lane - American Whitewater)). Below that, from Wanship to Coalville, it mellows out to Class I–II (a great beginner float as noted earlier (For Salt Lake Area: Weber River from Wanship to Echo - Utah & Nevada - APA Packraft Forums)). Further downstream, Henefer to Taggart (the “Hen-Tag” daily) is the most popular section – about 7 miles of Class II(+) that offers good eddylines and a couple of play features (Full-Day Rafting - Taggart's Grill Lunch | Weber River Adventures) like Rock Garden, Devil’s Slide Rapid, Roadside Wave, and Taggart’s Rapid (Full-Day Rafting - Taggart's Grill Lunch | Weber River Adventures) (Full-Day Rafting - Taggart's Grill Lunch | Weber River Adventures). Packrafters often run Hen-Tag for a fun, easy trip (expect crowds of tubers in summer). Right after Hen-Tag, the river enters Morgan Valley and Taggart to Morgan (or Taggart to Uintah) is mostly scenic Class I–II. However, just before our Hwy 89 put-in, one more difficult segment exists: boaters refer to a “Scrambled Egg Bend” or Devil’s Slide area (Croydon) – essentially the stretch through Weber Canyon above Hwy 89 – which at high flows produces Class III+ or even IV- rapids (big waves and a rapid that can dish out “scrambled eggs” tumbles). At moderate flows that canyon run is Class II–III. Not many casual paddlers do that section because access is limited (the railroad in the canyon makes put-in/take-out tough), but intrepid packrafters with railroad ROW knowledge have snuck in. In summary, the Weber can offer everything from gentle floats to legitimate whitewater: choose a section that fits your ability and the flow conditions.

  • Beyond Riverdale (Lower Weber): After Riverdale, the Weber flows west and north through marshy plains toward the Great Salt Lake. The gradient flattens out. There is a short urban-II run from Riverdale to Ogden’s 24th Street Kayak Park (confluence of Weber and Ogden Rivers). AW describes Riverdale to 24th St as “a mellow class I–2 paddle for 3 miles” (Weber - American Whitewater) – suitable for SUPs and casual paddling, though you might encounter diversion structures. Past Ogden, the Weber is mostly flat, used for irrigation canals, and not commonly packrafted (though one could expedition-paddle to the Great Salt Lake through farmland and wetlands – expect slow current and potentially poor water quality).

Other Nearby Packrafting Opportunities: Northern Utah has a variety of streams and rivers that packrafters can enjoy:

  • Ogden River: Right next door in Ogden Canyon is the Ogden River’s “Narrows” section, a Class III-IV run (roughly 2 miles) known for its steep drops. In spring, Ogden River kayaking is famed – “from class II–V whitewater kayaking on the Ogden River in the spring…” (Family Outdoor Adventures in Ogden | Visit Ogden). For packrafters, the Narrows are advanced (you’d need solid whitewater skills; there are some boulder garden rapids and a notable falls). Downstream, the Ogden River has a Whitewater Park (Ogden Kayak Park) around 24th Street – a couple of manmade drops (Class II+) which are fun at moderate flows. Below that, the Ogden meets the Weber. Packrafters sometimes play at the Ogden kayak park or do the “Ogden Lower” which is an urban float akin to class I-II. If you’re in the Ogden area, Ogden Canyon for a thrill or Ogden Kayak Park for a quick surf are good adjuncts to the Weber.

  • Provo River: In the Heber Valley (about an hour southeast of Ogden) the Provo River offers a very popular run. The “Middle Provo” (below Deer Creek Dam) is a Class I–II scenic float through Provo Canyon. It’s heavily used by tubers and rafters in summer (similar vibe to Hen-Tag) – “The Provo River is mild Class I–Class II water with fun riffles, tight twists & turns & beautiful scenery.” (Provo River Team - Pro Rafting Tours). It’s ideal for beginner packrafters or anyone wanting a relaxing float with mountain views. Typically runnable May–Sept due to dam releases, much like the Weber. Closer to Provo city, the lower Provo has a slightly more active Class II reach (with one Class II+ rapid by Bridal Veil Falls). Overall, Provo is a must-do easy river if you’re collecting Utah packrafting spots.

  • Jordan River: Flowing right through Salt Lake City, the Jordan is a flatwater river (Class I at best). It’s often used by packrafters for a mellow urban paddle or training. One local described it as a good “flat paddle” option: “Flat paddle: Jordan River… slow, enjoyable, and could get you used to the raft.” (Beginner trip, utah : r/packrafting). There are access points along the Jordan River Parkway. It’s an option if you want zero whitewater and a convenient float day.

  • Logan River: Up north near Logan, UT, the Logan River has a Class II+ canyon run (the “Bridger Campground to Third Dam” section) and a Class I–II stretch closer to town. It’s a smaller river, typically runnable in late spring/early summer. Packrafters enjoy the Logan Canyon’s quick bends and clear water – a nice half-day trip if you’re in Cache Valley.

  • Blacksmith Fork & Bear River: Also in northern Utah, packrafters sometimes run the Blacksmith Fork River (a tributary of the Logan – Class II creeky flow in spring) or sections of the Bear River (for instance, the Bear through Evanston, WY or down through Idaho – generally Class I–II floats, scenic and remote). These are further afield but worth noting for exploration.

  • Southern Utah Classics: Though not nearby, it’s worth mentioning for a Utah packrafter’s radar – spring packrafting in southern Utah on rivers like the Escalante, Dirty Devil, or San Rafael can be fantastic (desert wilderness trips Class II–III). These are multi-day wilderness floats when snowmelt fills those normally shallow rivers. They’re completely different from the Weber in nature (canyoneering meets packrafting), but many packrafters who cut their teeth on runs like the Weber later venture to these. (Resources like the APA forum and guidebooks by Forrest McCarthy (Packrafting Guide to Southern Utah - Forrest McCarthy) have info on those.)

In the immediate vicinity of the Weber, the “Wasatch Front” doesn’t have many big rivers (most drainages like Big Cottonwood, Little Cottonwood Creeks are too small or steep to regularly run). The Weber and Provo are the main intermediate-friendly runs. The Green River (Daily section) and Moab area are further but provide great packrafting too (Class II–III on the Green daily, Class III–IV Westwater etc., if willing to travel a few hours).

For a Salt Lake City-based packrafter, a common “menu” of trips includes: Weber River (various sections), Provo River, Ogden River, and occasionally a jaunt to the Sevier River (Central Utah, Class II) or up to Snake River (Wyoming) for bigger water.

In summary, after you’ve enjoyed the Weber River from Hwy 89 to Riverdale, you have a host of other paddling options. Whether it’s stepping up to the Ogden’s class IV challenge or just chilling on a Provo River tube float, Utah’s waterways offer something for every mood. The Weber is a cornerstone of the local paddling scene – nail that run, and you’ll be ready and confident to explore these other rivers with your packraft!

Sources:

last month in #packrafting by
$0.00
    Reply 0
    Sort:  
  • Trending