Breitenbush River and Hot Springs

The Breitenbush River is Located about half way between Portland and Bend, near a small town named Detroit. The Breitenbush River has a big bonus, there are wonderful hot springs just upstream of the put-in. These are some of the nicest hot springs I've ever been too. They are private hot springs you can access through the Breitenbush Retreat and Conference Center. You can check them out at Breitenbush.com.




















The river runs mostly in the spring time and is about ten miles of continous class III-IV whitewater. The river starts with a canyon rapid that includes a five foot boof followed by a narrow chute for the exit. This was my personal favorite rapid on the run. If you make a run down the Breitenbush be on the lookout for log jams. The river is a class III-IV river but has two Class VI log jams that could pose a problem for groups paddling on the cusp of their ability. It is best to scout from the road and know where the wood is located because you will paddling into them quickly if you aren't looking for them.





Hope to see you at the Upper Clackamas River Festival for some Karaoke. www.upperclackamasfestival.org

-J. Aytes