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Backpacker Magazine – September 2005
Paddling's Greatest Getaways
16 wild ways to find backcountry solitude and big-time scenery. All this, and you can bring the ice chest, too.
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Best Winter Escape
Paddle through Topock Gorge in January;
pack beer and sunscreen.
If you have an extra few grand to give yourself a Christmas present, go ahead and book a flight to the Turks and Caicos. We won't stop you. But for a T-shirt-and-Tevas escape that doesn't require a home-equity loan, head to the Lower Colorado River's Topock Gorge. The 20-mile red-rock canyon is the crown jewel of the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, itself a little-known prize of nearly 40,000 desert acres tucked away on the California-Arizona border. Look for rare birds such as the southwestern willow flycatcher, plus frequent visitors like roadrunners, herons, and egrets. The mellow flatwater allows you to soak up the sun while scanning the cliffs for bighorn sheep, bobcats, and Native American rock art. Jerkwater Canoe and Kayak (www.jerkwater.com) rents boats and shuttles paddlers on day and overnight trips.
Get there For a daytrip, paddle 16 miles from Topock Gorge Marina (off I-40 in Needles, CA) to Castle Rock (west off AZ 95 north of Lake Havasu City). Or camp at one of the riverside sites just downstream from Castle Rock (no camping is allowed in the wildlife refuge) and take out at Lake Havasu State Park.
Season October through April
Difficulty Easy
Contact Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, (760) 326-385; www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/arizona/havasu
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READERS COMMENTS
was wondering if anyone knew my father kenneth York he guided the Allagash for years.I would be interested thank you
Although you've listed some great waterways, and have limited space for your article, you know, your readers are going to chide you about not listing their favorites. So, to add to that list of incredulousness, when was the last time you paddled down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, in Central Idaho. For raw jaw-dropping beauty, aqueous power, a wicked challenge, and a great trip, you've got to list this gnarled ribbon of water that slices through the River of No Return Wilderness. I could understand leaving other waterways off your list, but not this beauty!
Wow, I can't believe the (insert favorite) river wasn't included. This is the best! Some of the most beautiful scenery is found on the (insert favorite) river....
Wait a minute. Just wait a minute. You left out the Green River in Utah? Whether its Desolation Valley or Labyrnth Canyon or Stillwater, we are talking the most spectacular rafting and canoeing in the country, bar none, nothing even close. Please. Just my humble opinion, but seriously. Green River, for like 200 miles. THAT'S amazing.
Wait a minute. Just wait a minute. You left out the Green River in Utah? Whether its Desolation Valley or Labyrnth Canyon or Stillwater, we are talking the most spectacular rafting and canoeing in the country, bar none, nothing even close. Please. Just my humble opinion, but seriously. Green River, for like 200 miles. THAT'S amazing.
WOW! Do not depend on Larry Rice on this one. First off. The Glory Hole pictured is not even in the Buffalo watershed. Second, the LOWER section will be low in the Fall. The upper half of the river will be virtually dry. The Buffalo is rain dependent, not spring fed. Summer is hot and humid with low algae filled water. The Buffalo is my river. It is by far my favorite river and I spend a lot of time there. Obviously Larry Rice does not. I will be joining Kenneth L Smith tomorrow for a week of trailbuilding on the Buffalo. Ken will be trailbuilding in the fall. If you love trails it is a chance to be in a wonderful place extending the Buffalo River Trail.
rmmcfadden@yahoo.com.
The Allagash is indeed beautiful in Sept / Oct
but the river sections are very shallow and rocky.
You will likely be limited to the lakes.
Summer months usually have the best river flow.
Bring 100% DEET and a head net!
I cant believe yall left out the Alabama Scenic River Trail, a trail that spans from NE Alabama to the Gulf of Mexico and includes the Bartram Canoe Trail, a trail that meanders through the beautiful Mobile/Tensaw River Delta.
http://www.alabamascenicrivertrail.com/
http://www.outdooralabama.com/outdoor-adventures/bartram/index.htm
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