​​In The Shadow of Longs Peak

The Blue River

28 August 2004

The Blue River, below Green Mountain Reservoir is rated an advanced beginner but my assessment is low intermediate due to the two man-made drops.  There are many places where you need to be on your toes, but have heart – there are numerous eddies and a few areas of flat-water that give you a chance to catch your breath.

One of the outstanding features of this trip is that there is no road alongside it – kayaking with a wilderness touch.  The river snakes its way along tall rock walls, wooded areas and open fields.  Adding to the wilderness experience is the water temperature – cold, as a mountain stream should be.  In a few spots, the water reflects a deep glacial green.  

The flow today was above 600.