Poudre Paddlers Trips and Events 2007
Sunday, March 18, Multi-Club Paddle on the South Platte. Evans Ballfields to Kersey or Kuner. Class I, novices welcome; This event is hosted by Rocky Mountain Canoe Club, Poudre Paddlers Club, Rocky Mountain Sea Kayak Club, Canoe Colorado, High Country River Rafters and Colorado White Water Association. That is SIX LOCAL PADDLING CLUBS!!! This is a fairly simple and casual flatwater (class I) day trip, suitable for novices, families, etc. You do not have to reserve a spot, we'll take as many paddlers as we can get and all types of watercraft are welcome.
Contact: Debbie Hinde (970-669-6247),
Filter Plant, Bridges or Lower Mishawaka on the Poudre. Every Wednesday evening from the June Rise to the end of the season. 5:00 pm rendezvous at Gateway Park (or you may join the run by being unloaded and ready to launch at the old put in by 5:30pm.) Anyone having never run the section AT THE WATER LEVEL EXISTING ON THAT DAY, MUST call the trip host at least 24 hours before the date of the trip. Rating of Trip: Filter Plant Class II (II+) Bridges Class III (IV-) *Note on nomenclature - when there is one or two rapids that are significantly harder than the general difficulty rating of the river run, the difficulty of that rapid is shown in parentheses. Description: At the beginning of the season, this will be a Filter Plant run. Filter Plant is a class II (II+) run. It has many rapids and fun play spots. We put in at Gateway Park and take out at the Lower Picnic Rock parking lot. For canoes, extra flotation is required (i.e., more than the boyancy of the boat itself even if there are additional compartments). Later in the season, this trip will switch to the Bridges run. The Bridges run is a solid class III run with some rapids that are class III+ or class IV- at some water levels. There is a big gap for canoeists between Filter Plant and Bridges. Filter Plant and Bridges (Filter Plant more than Bridges) can be broken up into sections to get people ready to do the entire runs.
Contact info: Dave Karan, , 970-224-5621
Saturday, April 21, Mountain Shop Boat n' Bike Swap. Across the street from the Mountain Shop, near Avogadro's. This is a good place to buy used boats or equipment, or get rid of equipment you don't need. Those wishing to sell gear should check in 7:00 am - 9:00 am and the sale is 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. The bike portion is handled by Lee's Cyclery. Contact: The Mountain Shop Local - 970-493-5720 Toll Free - 800-403-5720
6:30 pm Sunday, April 22nd Annual Poudre Paddlers Club Meeting. Open to the public; Upstairs ballroom of the Armstrong Hotel at 259 S. College Avenue; Pizza and soft drinks will be provided. The date for the annual Poudre Paddlers club meeting has been set. Mark your calendars!! We will gather at 6:30 pm, Sunday April 22nd, at the usual place - the upstairs ballroom of the Armstrong Hotel on 259 South College. Soda and pizza will be provided. Just bring yourselves, mingle and have fun. Festivities will last until about 9 pm.
Contact: Debbie Hinde (970-669-6247),
Saturday, April 28, Town Run, Fort Collins (Shields Street to Prospect Street)
Rating: Class II (high water: Class III) (Cancelled because of low water in the Poudre)
Description: This is a leisurely trip on mixed water, including flat stretches, island-slalom--requiring some quick maneuvering--and two drops through boat chutes. This is canoeing at its canoeiest. Likewise for kayaks. Class II experience required.
Contact Person: Mark Riffe, , (970) 224-9812.
8:00 am, Saturday, May 5, Treasure Island to Pick Bridge on the North Platte through Saratoga, Wyoming (Moved to May 12th because of cold weather and snow in Saratoga.)
Rating: Class 1+, prior experience floating a river is required
Description: We will float from Treasure Island heading north, stopping for lunch at the Hobo Hot Springs in Saratoga, and finishing at Pick Bridge. The North Platte flows between the Snowy Range on the east and the Sierra Madre Mountains on the west. It is lined with cottonwoods and large bluffs.
Full Description: http://www.rff.com/Saratoga_Spring_2007.htm
Contact: Roger and Diana Faaborg, , 970 669 4182
Sunday, May 6, South Platte River, Evans Ball fields to Kersey and/or Kuner.
Rating: Class I water (Cancelled due to high water levels in the South Platte.)
Description: It’s been a long winter and, if you're dying to get the canoe back on the water well, this is your chance. We will start at the Evans Ball fields just south of Greeley and paddle to Kersey and/or to Kuner. Class I water, but paddlers must be able to navigate strainers (dangerous limbs in the water). There are two portages around spillways. This trip takes 5 to 6 hours, perfect for a nice outing on a spring day. Contact Mike if you plan on tagging along. Meet at the I-25 and Hwy 34 Park n’
Ride at 9:00 a.m. and then convoy to the put-in at the Evans Ball fields. (Park n’ Ride: West on Hwy 34 at the I-25 Loveland exit. The parking lot is on the north side east of the outlet mall). Or you can meet at us at the put in at Evans Ballfields at 10am.
Contact: Mike O'Brien (970-482-2623),
10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Sunday May 6th, Kayak Demo Day - Sponsored by Rocky Mountains Adventures.
At Sheldon Lake City Park in Fort Collins
Try out the newest kayaks.
8:00 am, Saturday, May 12, Treasure Island to Pick Bridge on the North Platte through Saratoga, Wyoming
Rating: Class 1+, prior experience floating a river is required
Description: We will float from Treasure Island heading north, stopping for lunch at the Hobo Hot Springs in Saratoga, and finishing at Pick Bridge. The North Platte flows between the Snowy Range on the east and the Sierra Madre Mountains on the west. It is lined with cottonwoods and large bluffs.
Full Description: http://www.rff.com/Saratoga_Spring_2007.htm
Contact: Roger and Diana Faaborg, , 970 669 4182
8:15 am, Sunday, May 13, Nature Paddle with Debbie Hinde
Location: (to be decided)
Rating: Class I flat water.
Poudre Paddlers will be spending a summer morning paddling and viewing wildlife with naturalists from the City of Fort Collins. The location and details will be announced later.
9:00 am, Saturday, May 19, Town Run on the Poudre
Rating: Class II (Boat shoot and Cheese Grater can be portaged)
Description: We will put in at Shields Street bridge and float downstream to Prospect Street, taking about 3-4 hours to do so depending on water levels and group size. This trip includes all types of water: expect some tight maneuvering, standing waves, powerful curves, slow stretches and pleasant scenery along the way. And, of course, the Coy Boat Shoot and Cheese Grater will be part of the fun. There are two short portages around diversions along the way. Paddlers must be able to confidently handle Class II water.
Contact: Roger Faaborg 970 669 4182,
Saturday, June 2, National River Cleanup Day
Come and help us cleanup the Poudre. Details will be added later.
contact: Dave Karan, , 970 224 5621
9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Saturday, June 2, Annual Boat Swap
Sponsored by Rocky Mountain Adventures
Location: Rocky Mountain Adventures
1117 N. Hwy 287, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Register your boat and gear on Thursday or Friday from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm.
100% of sales goes into your pocket.
Sunday, June 3, Sleeping Elephant Run, Poudre Canyon
Rating: Class II at medium flows; Class III at high flows
Description: Beautiful run on a less traveled upper stretch of the Poudre River. The first part of this stretch is fast and full of rocks and requires quick moves. The lower part is less rigorous but has a good potential for strainers. Class II+/III- whitewater experience is required. Participation is limited so reserve a spot well in advance.
Contact Person: Mark Riffe, , (970)224-9812
June 8-10, North Platte River Six Mile Gap to Treasure Island
Rating: Class II
Description: Wilderness/ranchland, great camping, fishing, kids welcome. 22nd annual trip. Poudre Paddlers/ RMCC trip.
Contact: 303-709-8781 evenings.
Sunday, June 10, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Annual YOU CAN PADDLE day. Windsor Lake, Windsor, Colorado
Rating: Class I, everyone invited
Description: This is the annual Mountain Shop sponsored canoe and kayak clinic and demo. Try out the manufacturer's latest canoes and kayaks.
Contact: The Mountain Shop, www.themountainshop.com
1:30 pm, Sunday June 24th, Poudre River Filter Plant Run
Rating: Class II+
Description: We are doing the Filter Plant run following the Basic Safety and Rescue course. If this is your first run on Filter Plant, please let Debbie know. RSVP please.
Contact: Debbie Hinde (970 669 6247)
10:00 am, Saturday, June 30, Poudre Town Run
Rating: Class II
Description: We will put in at Shields St. bridge and float downstream to Prospect Street, taking about 3-4 hours to do so (depending upon water level and size of group). This trip includes all type of water: expect some tight maneuvering, standing waves, powerful curves, slow stretches and pleasant scenery along the way. And, of course, the Coy Boat Shoot and Cheese Grater will be part of the fun. There are two short portages around diversions along the way. Paddlers must be able to confidently handle Class II water.
Contact: Mike O'Brien (970-482-2623),
Saturday, June 30, Lake to Lake Triathlon
Details will be added later on the calendar at www.poudrepaddlers.org.
Contact: Dan O'Brien (970-203-0489),
Friday, July 6, - Friday, July 13, Desolation and Gray Canyons
Eight days on through the Desolation and Gray Canyons on the Green River in Utah. Rating: Class III.
Trip Leaders:
- Richard Ferguson, (303 499 2871),
- Will Golson, (970 207 0101),
3-6 boats. $20 permit fee plus shuttle ($120-$150 per vehicle)
Joint trip with RMCC
Saturday, July 14, Tour of Range Creek Ranch, Price Utah
Rating: Class I flat ground
This is a tour of Range Creek Ranch....the site of the artifacts that have recently been released for public view....this was written up in the Smithsonian in 2006:
http://www.smithsonianmagazine.com/issues/2006/march/range.php
The cost of the one day tour is $75 but includes access to a very very special place. There are only four tours all summer. The only tour in July, is on July 14.
Contact information:
Friday and Saturday, August 3,4, North Platte, Glendo to almost Guernsey (Wendover Canyon)
Rating: Class I++
Paddle through Wendover Canyon on the North Platte River. Campout at Two Moons Campground in Glendo State Park on Friday, August 3rd, and paddle Saturday, August 4th, with optional camping at Two Moons that evening. Potluck dinner for Saturday night campers. Paddlers should have some moving water experience, or be prepared to get wet. Everything in your boat and on your person should be tied down. This is a good learning and family trip.
Contact information: Karen Roth, (970) 482-4360
co-hosts: Roger Faaborg, , 970 669 4182
Donna Dancen, (Potluck organizer)
Melinda Meyerhoff,
Sunday, August 12, Horsetooth Open Water Swim
Wingshadow event
Details and contact will be added later.
Saturday, August 18, Pumphouse Run, Colorado River
Rating: Class II/II+
Description: Join Steve on a nice cruise on a Class II/II+ trip through beautiful mountain scenery. Even the drive is pretty. There is enough whitewater to keep your attention and enough flat water to be able to enjoy the views and look for wildlife. A couple of pleasant surprises await first timers. Stay overnight to enjoy the mountain air and Poudre Paddler nightlife. Ask Steve to demonstrate his submarine techniques. Paddlers may choose to paddle either Saturday, Sunday, or both days.
Contact: Steve Cassells (303 684-9252)
Sunday, August 19, Blue River - Green Mountain Canyon
Rating: Class III
Description: Join Steve on the Blue for a very scenic and entertaining trip. After negotiating a class III+/IV- putin trail, a quick current, clear water, many rapids (mostly Class II with a couple of very nice III's) and wonderful canyon scenery, will vie for your attention.
Contact: Steve Cassells (303 684-9252)
Gates of Lodore in Dinosaur National Park, Green River
Oct.11 put in date.....drive on Wed. night Oct. 10.....take out October 15,Monday...or October 14 Sunday. Drive home on October 15 or 16.
Rating: Class II with two Class III- rapids
Description: Great Fall colors on this run in October. I have done it twice in mid October and it has been lovely both times. See Eric Hermann's description of this trip in the December 2006 issue of Poudre Paddler's Waterlines. The link to this issue is:
http://www.poudrepaddlers.org/docs/waterlines.pdf
Contact information: