West River

Enjoy an active vacation in Vermont on the Class III and IV rapids of the West River near Stratton Mountain, Vermont, one of the state’s hidden treasures. This intermediate-level white water rafting trip in Vermont is an ideal way to kick off the paddling season or to view the fall foliage.

West River

Section of river: Ball Mountain Dam to Jamaica State Park (Townsend Reservoir)
Difficulty: Class 3
Length: 3 miles/5 KM
Season: Dam-release dates spring to fall
Best rapids: Landslide, Dumplings

Description:

west-river-view-fromThe West River is a dam-controlled mountain run with excellent intermediate-level white water rapids. The Ball Mountain run features technical rapids formed by boulders and ledges.  The first taste of big water comes in Landslide rapid. Several miles of continuous rapids follow until the Dumplings, the largest rapids on the river. The Dumplings are a row of smooth, dumpling-shaped boulders blocking the river followed by a large recovery pool called Salmon Hole. Negotiating the river’s natural s-turn at the Dumplings will challenge each raft’s paddling skills to the limit. Downstream lay easier riffles and the take-out at Townshend Reservoir.