Sweetwater River Paddle Report

Summary

The ideal streamflow range for the Sweetwater River is between 500 and 2500 cfs. The river is rated Class III to Class IV and provides a thrilling experience for intermediate and advanced paddlers. The river has several distinct sections, including the Upper Sweetwater, Middle Sweetwater, and Lower Sweetwater, each with unique rapids and obstacles.

The Upper Sweetwater section covers a distance of 19 miles from Sweetwater Gap to Greys River. This section features Class III to IV rapids and offers challenging drops, tight turns, and boulder fields. The Middle Sweetwater section spans a distance of 18 miles from Greys River to Sweetwater Station. This segment features Class III rapids and a beautiful landscape with towering cliffs and stunning rock formations. The Lower Sweetwater section covers a distance of 31 miles from Sweetwater Station to the North Platte River. This segment features Class II to III rapids and offers an exciting journey with long stretches of calm water.

There are specific regulations that paddlers must adhere to when rafting on the Sweetwater River. For instance, all flotation devices must be Coast Guard-approved, and paddlers must wear life jackets at all times. Additionally, paddlers must carry a spare paddle, a whistle, and a throw rope at all times. Paddlers must also obtain a permit from the Bureau of Land Management before embarking on their journey. Overall, the Sweetwater River provides an exhilarating and challenging whitewater experience for paddlers of all skill levels.