While the runs that use this launch are class I/II it has a mandatory portage around the roller dam that could lead to almost certain death if one missed the eddy and went over the dam. There are signs warning of the upcoming dam if coming from Whitewater and there is a take out on river right that allows you to hike your gear about .4 of a mile to the other side of the dam. The take out above the dam is not a boat ramp, though you can park one vehicle at a time near the river. The put in below the dam, while technically a boat ramp, is steep and sandy and I personally wouldn’t back my trailer down it.
Everything on river Left and all around the dam is private property, however the BLM manages a passage way to get you from the takeout to the put in on the other side of the dam. The local BLM has been really good about improving facilities as they see an area gets used more. The hope is that as more and more boaters utilize this stretch of river a proper ramp and better parking will be built, maybe even a pit toilet.
Looking up at the dam from the boat ramp.
Sign at the takout
Other Considerations:
We wouldn’t go as far as to say the Redlands Canal Diversion is in a bad part of town but it certainly is a little sketchy. Even though this is right down the road from the Department of Energy along with the Incubator Center and the GJ Police department shooting range this is an area of town that is not often visited by locals. Evidence of homeless camps and just general trashiness give one an uneasy feeling here. We’ve not heard of anyone having issues but we don’t recommend leaving a vehicle unattended here and we also recommend traveling in a group.
