Coastals

Hey y'all,

On the drive back from WV (Cranberry) on Sunday, I passed the Maury and got to thinking about how I should run Goshen Pass while I still have a chance. A couple of questions, given that I've read up a bit on the section already:

1. Does it regularly have recommended levels in June or July?

2. Recommended boat considering that my primary is a playboat and I just got a creeker? The descriptions I've read include both drops and play spots. I've also read that multiple runs are possible, so maybe I should just take both?

Thanks.

I my opinion, which there are many other opinions out there regarding water levels for Goshen Pass, I would look for something between 500 and 800cfs for a first decent. This way you will get the feel of the pass at a level that is fun and not super pushy. After that then you can start to feel out what is the best level for you. This section can be run at a wide range of levels from as low as the 300's all the way up to 3000cfs or more for the very skilled. I have been running this section for about three years and not my whole life like many paddlers out there so like I said this is only my opinion and this post will prob get many more opinions. The common run is from the swinging bridge down to Indian Pool (the flat water below Wall Rapid) this is the "Meat" run and many people do multi laps on this section. After the pool the river calms down to fun class II-III and you can take out at either the ledges takeout or the Rockbridge Baths post office. Have fun I hope to see you out there soon. Oh and dont count on it running in the Summer months unless you are in your car ready to go when there is a huge thunderstorm. Best bet for the rest of this year is to shoot for May maybe June maybe, then its time to track hurracaines in the Fall.

J, your golden, just show up anytime above 750 and the "locals" be happy to show you the lines, if your fortunate to catch it at the level in June. Been an unusuually long spring uppayah, Hootie Hoo!
Be Safe, Have fun
-- -- . MME

Thanks for the info. Sounds like fun.

I'd like to bring both boats for 2-3 laps if the levels come up some point in June...and conveniently enough, I'll have a flexible schedule. I'll be doing my rain dance.

tinyfrogs wrote:
On the drive back from WV (Cranberry) on Sunday

Cranberry was pretty low on Sunday. Went okay?

tinyfrogs wrote: , I passed the Maury and got to thinking about how I should run Goshen Pass while I still have a chance. A couple of questions, given that I've read up a bit on the section already:

1. Does it regularly have recommended levels in June or July?

2. Recommended boat considering that my primary is a playboat and I just got a creeker? The descriptions I've read include both drops and play spots. I've also read that multiple runs are possible, so maybe I should just take both?

Thanks.

1. Regrets, not so much.

2. Plenty of fun to be had in playboats and creekboats be they of the kayak, canoe, or rubber variety. The run is not famous for vertical pin situations, knock on wood.

I run it a lot, frequently post, don't always. Please feel invited to ask if you see it running and I haven't posted.

Cheers,

Ken Dubel

Cranberry was low, but we only had to sneak one of the rapids below S-Turn because the low water made the tight turn/drop/runout too dicey. It was a bit bumpy through the class II stretches. I ran the whole section cleanly on Sunday at 3.6'. Saturday, when we ran only to above S-turn at 3.8', was a different story (but nothing serious). I blame driver's fatigue and the learning curve in a new boat.

The comparison I've heard is that the Middle Cranberry is more "technical" than Goshen Pass, with more tight corners and recommended moves. The Cranberry is steeper than Goshen, too. (AW 80 fpm/100 max v. 48 fpm/71 max). But because I ran Cranberry at the low end of recommended, I was in need of more info.

Before using the James as my "home" river, most of my paddling experience has been on "creeky" play rivers (Lower Haw, Nanty Falls, lower Yough...an Ocoee run...the mental list grows foggy...) in ever smaller boats.

From what you all have told me (inc. a PM and a phone call), if water between 500-1000 cfs happens in June, I will bring both boats, then decide to just use the playboat, will have an awesome time, and wonder why I bothered to waste gas with the 8' on the rack.

Thanks.

I heard that a tornado went thru the Cranberry campground, & was wondering if that meant strainers in the river?
Please & thanx, Alicia

There were definitely a lot of trees recently knocked down around the campground and river, and some into it. The ones in the river didn't cross the whole width, although there was one slightly tight spot. It was in class II riffles I recall. The downed trees are fresh still, and as they break up they will probably create some hazards in the rapids.