Illinois, Oregon, US |
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| Usual Difficulty | II-III (for normal flows) |
|---|---|
| Length | 16.4 Miles |
| Avg. Gradient | 25 fpm |
| Name | Range | Difficulty | Updated | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ILLINOIS RIVER NEAR KERBY, OR | ||||
| usgs-14377100 | 700 - 3500 cfs | II-III | 00h58m | 830 cfs (rc= 0.0 ) |
This run can be done as a day trip by locals or an extension of the classic overnight wilderness run on the Illinois. Note that although this is a good option for kayakers, the portage at Illinois River Falls and the river-level foot bridge are problematic for rafts. Rafts should put-in at the McCaleb Bridge and take in just the lower portion of this run (see map) or just skip this section and put-in at Miami Bar.
When flows are up a bit you can float on Deer Creek (4.4 miles) to the confluence with the Illinois (class 2-3). Deer Creek is under the bridge a 1/2 mile or so south of the store in Selma.
An alternate access for a short run is at the Snailback Trailhead. This is a posted river access point a mile or two downstream from Selma. A pretty, I/2 mile downhill walk gets you to the river and it's about 3 miles to a take-out below Lower Six Mile. There are only 4 stand-out class 3 to 3+ rapids (Ranch Rock, Crankshaft, Upper and Lower Six Mile) in that distance but the deep canyon is beautiful and wildlife plentiful. The rapids can pack a punch when flows at the Kirby Gauge read over 1,500 cfs.
Below lower Six Mile Rapid is a mile or two of class 2, Then a fun 3+ rapid that signals lower Illinois falls (5+) is around the corner. Eddy out and portage right when a block of concrete appears in the middle of the river (fish ladder). After a couple of imaginary runs down the falls, It's class 2 to the floating bridge at McCaleb Ranch where you can expect to portage. This foot bridge and the road bridge at this point also serve as an alternate access point. It is a take-out (11.6 miles from listed put-in) or alternatively a put-in for a quick run (4.8 miles) down to Miami Bar or a longer journey that continues through the wilderness section of the Illionois.
From the bridges down to Miami Bar there are a number of fun class 3 rapids with a harder one at a recent land slide on river left. A moving pool leads into a landslide boulder dam 5-8' high depending on flow with a cheat line on the right, starting a 100 yards upstream of the main drop. The rocks in the main drop haven't yet been softened up by the river and are ragged and sharp--no place to be upside down.
We have no additional information about how various flows affect runnability (or playability) of this section of river. If you can provide additional information, please either directly contact the StreamTeam member for this reach, or add a 'comment' or a 'report' with your information to help out your fellow boaters.
| Name | Range | Difficulty | Updated | Level | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ILLINOIS RIVER NEAR KERBY, OR | ||||||||||||
| usgs-14377100 | 700 - 3500 cfs | II-III | 00h58m | 830 cfs (rc= 0.0 ) | ||||||||
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| When | River/Gauge | Subject | Level | Reporter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4y26d19h43m | @Illinois 1 - Highway 199 to Miami Bar [OR] |
Rancharia Bridge (Forest Road 4103-087) at McCaleb Ranch
|
n/a | Carla Miner |
| Mile | Rapid Name | Class | Features (Legend) |
|---|---|---|---|
| -45.5 | Snailback Access | N/A |  |
| -42.8 | Sixmile Rapids | N/A | |
| -39.7 | Illinois River Falls | V |  |
| -39.4 | Rancheria Bridge (at McCaleb Ranch) | N/A |    |
| -38.7 | Rapids | N/A | |
| -37.7 | Rapids | N/A | |
| -37.0 | Rapids | N/A | |
| -36.7 | Rapids | N/A | |
| -36.5 | Rapids | N/A | |
| -36.0 | Rapids | N/A | |
| -35.3 | Salmon Creek Rapids | N/A | |
| -35.1 | Rapids | N/A |
Walk in at the Snailback Trail Head, a posted river access point a mile or two from Selma. A pretty, 1/2 mile downhill walk gets to the river.
Eddy out and portage right when a block of concrete appears in the middle of the river (fish ladder). After a couple of imaginary runs down the falls, it's class 2 to the floating bridge at McCaleb.
Rancharia Bridge (Forest Road 4103-087) at McCaleb RanchThe Rancheria Bridge (Forest Road 4103-087), a low water bridge at McCaleb Ranch typically requires a portage. This is also an alternate access point for those who want to paddle this reach but don't want to deal with a portage at Illinois River Falls or the bridge. There is also a trail bridge just upstream of the road bridge.
River management plan for the Wild and Scenic Illinois River
reach
state
reachlink
1 - Highway 199 to Miami Bar (16.4 miles), Illinois Oregon, US (mobile)
User Comments
Manager, (541) 471-6705 MEDFORD, OR - February 25, 2010 - The Rancheria Bridge that crosses the
Illinois River at McCaleb Ranch on the Wild Rivers Ranger District has been temporarily closed
until further notice to all motor vehicle use due to concerns of public safety. A recent Engineer's
site visit discovered that there are numerous missing and rotting planks on this low water bridge
that will require repair prior to the bridge reopening. The work to repair the bridge cannot occur
until the level and velocity of the Illinois River drops enough to allow workers access underneath
the bridge later this year. Barricades will be placed on Forest Road 4103 087 to warn the public of
the closure.
A posted river access point a mile or two from Selma. A pretty, I/2 mile downhill walk gets to the
river. I would guess the river distance is no more than 3 miles to the take-out below Lower 6 mile.
There are only 4 stand-out class 3 to 3+ rapids (Ranch Rock, Crankshaft, Upper and Lower Six Mile)
in that distance but the deep canyon is beautiful and wildlife plentiful. And the rapids can pack a
punch when flows at the Kirby Gauge read over 1,500 cfs. Just thought I'd add a bit more info.
Above Snailback is all class 2 except upper Illinois falls (4+? I haven't run it) and adds a much
longer shuttle. Another approach when flows are up a bit is to float Deer Creek to the confluence
with the Illinois (class 2-3). Deer Creek is under the bridge a 1/2 mile or so south of the store
in Selma. Below lower Six Mile Rapid is a mile or two of class 2, Then a fun 3+ rapid that signals
lower Illinois falls (5+) is around the corner. Eddy out and portage right when a block of concrete
appears in the middle of the river (fish ladder). After a couple of imaginary runs down the falls,
It's class 2 to the floating bridge at McCaleb. A good take-out or put-in for the lower run down to
either Miami Bar or Briggs creek. From here to Miami Bar are a number of fun class 3 with a harder
one at a recent land slide on river left; A moving pool leads into a landslide boulder dam 5-8'
high depending on flow with a cheat line on the right, starting a 100 yards upstream of the main
drop. The rocks in the main drop haven't yet been softened up by the river and are ragged and
sharp, no place to be upside down. Edit