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Boater's Guide Map 2 Feature Descriptions
*Identifies major rapids of Class III and above.
233.2 Bills Creek Rapids
Class II or III, roller coaster waves.
233.7 *Waterspout Rapids
Class III to IV, depending on flows. A rock at lower end of rapids near Oregon side of center creates an unexpected hole at some levels. The rapids wash out in high water. Scouting recommended from Oregon side.
234.5 Geology Note: Waterspout Landslide
From here to Waterspout Rapids, note the chaotic rocks on the Oregon side. They are from a giant slump or landslide that filled the canyon to a depth of 200 to 300 feet.
235.0 *Lower Bernard Creek Rapids
Class III to IV, depending on flow. Approximately 300 yards below Upper Bernard site. About an 8 foot drop, steep but not vertical; big standing wave about 6 feet high in low flows; washed out in high flows.
235.1 Bernard Creek
Good landing for rafts downstream from creek on gravel beach; not a good powerboat site. Shade, water, hike up trail 100 yards; capacity large.
235.2 Historical Note: McGaffee Cabin
The cabin, on the bar above the river, was the second one built on the site by Bill Hiltsley, who homesteaded here in 1901. The place was sold to Fred and Iphigenia "Gene" McGaffee and Billy McGaffee in 1915. Gene wrote, "We knew we were getting into a lonely, untamed region, but it was good cow country and we never regretted the move." See photo on page 13.
235.2 *Upper Bernard Creek Rapids
Class II to III at all flows. Depending on skill level, you may want to scout. Located below Bernard Creek.
236.2 Historical Note. Saddle Creek
Originally settled in 1895 by Fred Jensen and Tim McCarty, Saddle Creek was the home of the Pete Wilson family from 1916-1937. Violet Wilson Shirley and her 7 brothers and sisters grew up here. Violet has been a volunteer host at the Kirkwood Historic Ranch for many years.
236.2 Saddle Creek
Difficult landing at flows over 30,000 cfs; tie up downstream of creek. Water, shade on upper bench to the north; large group.
236.6 Hastings
Gravel beach in low water; old placer mine; medium group.
237.0 Lower Dry Gulch
Good landing, shade, spring just below the rim of the river bank; large group.
237.3 Upper Dry Gulch
Good landing, no water, shade; large group.
237.7 Oregon Hole
Shade, no water; large group.
237.8 Upper Oregon Hole
Good flood, poor powerboat landing, lots of boulders; small group.
236.0 Three Creek
Good water, shade, steep climb to bench. Difficult access below creek; large group.
236.2 *Three Creek Rapids
Class II or Class III, roller coaster waves.
239.0 Campsite
Camping permitted.
239.2 *Granite Rapids
Class IV at all levels up to 50,000 cfs, always scout! Located just down- stream from Lower Granite Creek campsite. Trail access on both sides of the river. These rapids change as flows fluctuate. Beware of large drop with holes and big waves. A large rock submerged in the center creates a hole with much turbulence at all flows.
239.2 Cache Creek
Difficult boat landing. High grassy bar downstream from creek, water off- site; large group.
239.5 Lower Granite Creek
Tie up 200 yards below creek and follow trail up to bench. Water, shade; large group.
239.6 Upper Granite Creek
Tie up in rocky cove; campsite is 75 yards up trail on a grassy bench above creek. Shade, water; large group.
239.7 Historical Note: Hibbs Ranch
A homestead claim was filed one mile up Granite Creek by Martin Hibbs in 1911. His daughter, Lenora Barton, found him murdered outside his cabin in July, 1934. The cabin had burned down and the remains of a second, unidentified body were found in the ashes, The murder was never solved.
240.4 Rocky Bar
Rocky beach, shade, no water; large group.
241.2 Geology Note: Wild Sheep Rapids
These rapids were formed from large rocks that were carried to the river by a catastrophic debris flow or waterspout.
241.2 *Wild Sheep Rapids
Class IV, aways scout! Located below Bull Creek; turbulent at all flows and the longest rapid on the river.
241.2 Wild Sheep
Campsite 75 yards from river below Wild Sheep Creek, water. Stopping point to scout rapids; large group.
241.5 Birch Springs
Rocky beach, water supply scant; medium group.
241.8 Sand Dunes
Good landing, sandy beach, no water; small group.
242.1 Battle Creek
Good landing, tie up 100 yards down river from creek. Shade; capacity large group. Second campsite located above creek on bench between river and cabin; tie up at creek; large group.
243.2 Historical Note: Pit Houses
The slope at the upper end of the bar is pocked with depressions where the semi-subterranean pithouses of prehistoric people once stood. Covered with a frame of branches and bark or hide, these shelters provided comfort- able winter homes in the mild climate of the canyon.
242.3 Historical Note: Barton Cabin
The cabin, built by Ralph Barton in 1932, is located about 200 yards from the Snake River, upriver from Battle Creek. The Winchester Mine claim, about 2 miles up the creek, was worked from about 1910-1916 but produced very little gold.
243.0 Warm Springs
Shade, rocky beach; large group.