Oswegatchie, Middle Branch, New York, US

Section #3 (Rainbow Falls)

Usual Difficulty	IV-V (for normal flows)
Length	4 Miles

Gauge Information

Name	Range	Difficulty	Updated	Level
WEST BRANCH OSWEGATCHIE R NR HARRISVILLE NY
usgs-04262500	1200 - 2200 cfs	IV-V	01h29m	353 cfs (rc= -0.8 )

River Description

Section #3 of the Middle Branch of the Oswegatchie is often referred to as the Rainbow Falls Section. Section #3 can be combined with Section #2 or Section #4.  The put-in for #3 is the take-out for #2 and the take-out for #3 is the put-in for #4. Section #3 feels remote and you will not cross any roads while paddling this section. The scenery is excellent. There are a few large drops on this section including Rainbow Falls (monster) and many boat scoutable sections. There are several bad holes on this section especially as the water gets high. All the drops have been run in this section but 2 are often portaged. Even with the portages this is a fun section especially when combined with another section of this great river. 


Both the put-in and take-out are on Bryant Bridge Rd. If you are coming from Harrisville (food and gas) you will turn left onto Middle Branch Rd. At Middle Branch Corners the road turns into Bryant Bridge Rd. As you continue down Bryant Bridge Rd you will cross a bridge and then there will be an intersection. This is the take-out. Turn left (still Bryant Bridge Rd.) and drive until you cross the river again. This is the put-in. Bryant Bridge Rd can be a little rough between the put-in and take-out. Four wheel drive and high clearance certainly make the shuttle easier but are probably not a necessity. 

Other rivers in the area: Middle Branch of the Oswegatchie Sections #2 and #4, West Branch of the Oswegatchie, East Branch of the Oswegatchie, Browns Bridge Section of the Oswegatchie and The Grass sections South Branch, Lampson Falls section, Middle Branch to name a few.

I am hoping to get back on this section soon (Fall 2007) and get some pictures and to refresh my memory on the rapids. I have put up some rapid descriptions but it has been a year since I ran the river and I have only run it once. If you don't like what you see make sure you get out and scout.