In an earlier post I asked for a map of the Sol Duc, I got a lot of responses to be careful it can be dangerous!

I'm not a risk taker so if it's dangerous I won't go.

My question is, is there a reach that a newbie to the river could safely float? I hear Maxfield to Whitcomb-Dimmel is reasonably safe, is that true?

While on the subject of safe reaches to float, are there any recommendations for the Bogy as well?

Thanks in advance.

If you have to question your ability to make it I wouldnt do it. Its better to be safe than sorry

OPfisher,

I don't question my ability. I confident in my skills, I've just never floated it. Are there any spots that are bad?

Thanks,

Whitcomb-Dimmel to the next take out by the bridge isnt too bad.

Thanks for all the replies guys!

I appreciate everyones candid response and respect for safety!

Thanks,

Cutt Plug,

The easiest float to do would be the Maxfield to Whitcomb Dimmel, its a short one.

I can't recommend any other stretch ( on the duc), until you have gone down them a few times as a passenger.

If you are serious about learning those rivers, the hands down best way is to hire a guide a few times a year and learn some new water. Bob, the webmaster here, is a great guide and I now can fish most of those rivers by myself only because he showed me the way. ( Also a heap of help from Andy at AM Guide Service)

You hear that said all the time...hire a guide..., and I know it costs money, but if you cant do that, you are going to be severely limited or will have to take unnecessary risks to gain the experience.

Have fun! Gusty

It's too true.
Hire a guide. I didn't and we nearly died.

Hatchery to Maxfield at 4 boards first time. It was, lets say, exciting

Wear your life jacket. Be prepared. If you crack up, its a long walk to anywhere.

Maxfield to WD is pretty basic, EXCEPT for the Shuwah Rapid. Not terrible, but you need to be very aware.

As stated above hire the guide. No matter what it costs it is much less expensive than losing your life over not knowing the river.

I went on the Bogy a few years ago with a firend and a guide, and while most of the float was pretty tame there was one spot that to this day I'm amazed the guy was able to row the boat through. There is NO WAY I would try that float on my own. One of these days I'll head out there to have Bob take me on a trip on the Duc. I would love to fish that river for a big hawg.

All very sound advice. The problem with the Duc is it changes a lot with water level fluctuation. At seven boards, there are paths you can take that are unavailable at three boards. I've been down this river quite a few times with guides, and consider myself an accomplished rower, but not expert by any means. I may actually row it myself this spring. You have to ride this river out a few times to commit to memory some of the hairy spots. It's not that you can't do it with no experience, but you might find yourself so stressed and exhausted by the end of the day that you would not enjoy it. Also, search this board for the number of boats lost on this river in a given year. It's all about knowing the path.