Known as ‘The Box’ for the sheer canyon walls towering on each side of the river, it's a place of both beauty and unforgiving nature. Difficult whitewater and long portages, no trails and steep terrain all help to define this unique and compelling river canyon.

Only runnable at lower flows, the Box is unique because, when most other rivers are getting too lean to kayak, this epic section of whitewater miraculously comes into it’s prime.

I had the opportunity to paddle the Box twice this year, with back-to-back descents. The first with Dan McKay and Andrew Gonzoles. The second with a group of friends from the mountain town of Bozeman, Montana.

The first day we dropped into the Box was absolutely incredible. It had been five years since my previous descent and 15 years since my first descent at the ripe old age of 16.

Whitewater began rolling away behind us and by mid afternoon, we we’re into the first big portage - the "Green Giant" - our gateway into the Box.

After carrying our kayaks for an hour over steep boulders, shaped by unimaginable flows, we followed three miles of flat water to another big portage leading us into the heart of the paddling. From there, Class V drops begin to string together - one after the other - deep inside the ever tightening canyon.

Mountain Goats and solitude frequent the cliff walls which overhang the river. The beauty and magnificence of the sheer canyon provides the perfect backdrop to some of best whitewater around.

Six mandatory portages, countless rapids, and nights spent sleeping next to this epic, clean river made this the experience of a lifetime... especially when you're fortunate enough to drive back to the top and do it again!

Tyler Bradt

Jackson Kayaks

NRS

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