Greenbrier
Durbin to Cass
4-12-03 to 4-13-03
16.7 Miles
Class 1-2
Gauge: A minimum of 5 ft. at the Buckeye gauge is required. However, a scrapy run may be attempted down to 4.5 ft. At 7.25 ft., the river is fast and some waves may reach 3 ft. in height. Regarding the maximum suggested level, I've seen information stating 9ft.
We started our run with a reading of 6.25 ft. on the Buckeye gauge. The Cass bridge gauge on river left was a little less than 2.5 ft. Ending the trip, the Buckeye gauge was at 5.25 ft. and the Cass gauge at 1.75 ft.
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Topographic Maps
Compliments of Andy
Note: Save to disc and print as a JPEG file on an
8.5" by 11" sheet of paper
What a ride!
Looked sketchy at first
Due to fast water and high winds
This run was characterized by long rapids and virtually no flatwater. Medium sized wavetrains were frequent. Oh yeah! Let's not forget the railroad tracks that would make any train have trouble.
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About a half mile from the
put-in,
There is a sharp right turn.
This takes place just above a bridge.
Stay right to avoid the pier.
Next, the east and west forks meet.
The river doubles in volume and Islands are formed.
Some of the channels created are runnable.
After driving to the north side of Durbin, we put in on the West Fork of the Greenbrier. About an hour or so later, we came across a good campsite on the right bank. Some haggling took place. Consequently, we decided to continue and look for camping below Hosterman. Beyond the 10 mile mark, I took a back channel. Passed the first island with ease. I realized along the second, I should have taken the passage between the two. Suddenly, I was approaching a strainer that restricted most of the flow. A hard left sweep was the ticket. Below here, we decided to camp.
Note: Beware of poison ivy!
The banks harbor some of the
biggest poison ivy vines I've ever seen
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Later that night, fine cuisine was enjoyed by a nice fire. Then, a little party with discussion and tree climbing. The next day was warm and sunny. A flat boat and canoe passed. About 2 miles downstream, we encountered what looked like a good rapid. Scouted and ran it on the right side of an island. I took photos from below. The last stretch had some fun waves to ride. Took out at the Cass Scenic Railroad parking lot on river right (above Cass bridge). Five other canoes took out after us.
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Also worth mentioning:
"Whitaker Campground"
This is where we stayed Friday night during the 40 mph gusts
Saturday morning was interesting:
Still trying to forget about that rooster
F 14'S roared overhead
The campground had an animal exhibition
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