Idaho Statesman Article published May 23, 2006 9:35 a.m.
Dangerous logjam on South Fork of Boise River
A dangerous logjam spanning the South Fork of the Boise River below Danskin Bridge has prompted the U.S. Forest Service to warn whitewater boaters not to float the 17-mile remote section of the river.
The agency has closed the ramp at the Danskin Float Boat Access, which is the put in for the South Fork of the Boise River canyon float.
The logjam is about 3/4 mile below Smith Creek and can be seen from the top of the canyon off Forest Road No. 189. The location of the logjam makes portage difficult to impossible, the agency said.
“This is going to be an issue. It’s big and it’s river wide,” said Will Stone, a rafter at Idaho River Sports. He saw it last week.
The canyon stretch of the South Fork is a popular day-trip stretch of river, about 25 miles southeast of Boise. Once rafters leave Danskin Float Boat Access, which is the beginning of the float trip, there is only 2 miles of the river accessible by road. The remaining portion is roadless and has steep canyon walls making it next to impossible to get boats back out of the canyon. Basically, if rafters or kayakers pass the roaded section, they must continue traveling to the take out at Neal Bridge.
The U.S. Forest Service has placed three 20-inch strips of orange flagging on short brush just along Road No. 189 to note the location to scout the river and see the logjam. If boaters walk about 500 feet to the canyon rim, they can see the logjam. The canyon rim also has loose rock, making footing dangerous. At this time river conditions prevent crews from safely removing the logjam, the federal agency said. Due to the conditions, the Forest Service is advising the public not to float below Danskin Bridge.
The Forest Service has posted posted warning notices on the South Fork at Tailwaters Float Boat Access, Village Float Boat Access, Indian Point Dispersed Area, Cow Creek Float Boat Access, and Danskin Float Boat Access.
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