Lower Russell Fork
| River: | Russell Fork |
| Skill: | Novice+/Intermediate |
| Trip Date: | 10/26/2019 |
Trip Coordinator: Wayne Jones
The Russell Fork (technically, the Russell Fork of the Big Sandy) begins at John W. Flanagan dam near Haysi, Virginia. The dam is for flood control and is operated by the Corps of Engineers; there is no power generation, unlike many of the other dam-controlled rivers we enjoy. The lake level is held at a recreational elevation during the summer, and is lowered 16 feet during the fall to hold additional water from winter and spring runoff. Generally, there is a release of 800-1000 cfs during the weekend dates of October (for our own personal benefit!) Our level was just under 1100 cfs each day.
On Saturday morning, novice paddler Eric Rechter met up with Paul Scrutton, Lauren Scott, Martha Mount, and myself at the Breaks Interstate Lodge restaurant, which has stellar views, and not always stellar food. I am quite fond of the place, but it’s ambience is that of a state agency, which of course it is. Three on the trip were first timers and all were kayakers. We had a lovely run, starting at the John W. Flanagan dam and taking out at Garden Hole. This was a step up for Eric from the Nantahala and he had a solid day.
When we arrived at Garden Hole, we discovered that we were in time to catch the Lord of the Fork race that runs through the Class V Russell Fork Gorge. Perfect timing! We ferried back across to river left and joined the other spectators walking the railroad track downstream through the tunnel. It was a perfectly manageable task, with some caveats. Here are my recommendations in order of importance: 1) Bring a headlamp. The tunnel curves and is maybe five hundred yards long. It is the definition of blackness in the center portion of the tunnel. Fortunately, we were able to tag along with others who had lamps. 2) Wear solid-soled shoes if you can. I had booties on and had to tiptoe my way down the tracks. 3) Don’t let the prospect of a train coming deter you. There is room to get out of the way in the tunnel. I am sure this is full sensory experience if it happens. Admittedly, one did not come while we were passing through.
We made it to El Horrendo just in time for the first racers to come down, intermixed with some non-competitors. The racers mostly took the right line, some took the more iffy-looking center line, and most of the non-racers took the river right super-cool boof line. They were awesome. It is an exciting scene, less crowded than the Green Race; definitely an opportunity not to be missed. This did interrupt our plans to run the lower Russell Fork (put in at Ratliff Hole and take out at Elkhorn City.) We ended the day in Elkhorn City after dropping an aquaintance’s truck at Ratliff Hole, and then had a very mystifying dining experience at Time Out Pizza and Grill in Elkhorn City. Next year will involve more pre-trip dinner planning; it is a subject that deserves some forethought.
Sunday morning saw the addition of Rick Steeves and Andy Parker to the group. Eric was camping at the Russell Fork Rendezvous, and anticipated that the Saturday night’s post-race festivities may keep him from joining. Another lovely day on a beautiful scenic river.
Thanks to everyone. It was a great time.