Northgate Canyon facts for kids
Northgate Canyon is a beautiful stretch of the North Platte River, about 9.8 miles (15.8 km) long. It runs between Routt Access in Colorado and Six-Mile Gap in Wyoming.
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Exploring Northgate Canyon
Northgate Canyon is like a special entrance to the north for the North Platte River. The river here flows along the western side of the Park Range in Colorado. The water drops quite a bit as it goes through the canyon, making for some exciting rapids! These rapids are known as Class III+, which means they are challenging and fun for experienced rafters and kayakers. Some of the most famous rapids include Windy Hole, Cowpie, Narrow Falls (also called The Gate), Tootsie Roll, and Stovepipe.
Nature and Wildlife
Besides the thrilling whitewater, Northgate Canyon offers amazing scenery. You might see deer, elk, moose, or even bears near the river. Sadly, tiny pine bark beetles have caused a lot of damage to the pine trees in the area recently.
When the river's water level goes down and the water becomes clearer, it's a great spot for fishing. It can be a bit tricky to catch fish, but it's still a fun challenge!
Most of the land along the river is public, meaning it's part of the National Forest and open for everyone to enjoy. However, there's a small private area called Gingerquill Ranch. You'll see cabins there, and it's important not to stop on private land unless it's an emergency.
The rapids in Northgate Canyon are exciting and require skill to navigate safely. Here's a look at some of the main ones:
Windy Hole
Windy Hole is the first big rapid you'll meet in Northgate Canyon, about half a mile after you start from Routt Access. The river makes a sharp left turn through solid rock. There's a tricky spot called "the hole" that's best avoided, especially if you're not an expert. As the water level rises, Windy Hole becomes even more challenging.
Cowpie (or Houserock)
This long rapid starts after you cross into Wyoming. The river takes a gentle right turn, and then the water starts dropping faster. You'll see a large rock on the left that looks a bit like a cowpie, marking the start. There's a spot called Split Rock that requires careful steering. After Cowpie, the river narrows into a canyon, and it flows right into the next rapid, Narrow Falls, without a break.
Narrow Falls (or The Gate)
Right after Cowpie, the river turns right and drops out of sight, creating a "horizon line." Tall cliffs rise on both sides. At lower water levels, you'll see a big rock on the right. When the water is higher, this rock becomes a powerful hole that you must avoid. The best path is usually in the center, close to that big rock. It's very hard to look at this rapid from the shore, so boaters need to be very careful.
Tootsie Roll
About a mile downstream from Narrow Falls, you'll find Tootsie Roll. This rapid is mostly straightforward, but watch out for "Cookie Monster" at the end. This spot has two strong holes created by large, often hidden, boulders. Many boaters choose a "sneak run" to the right to avoid these holes. If you're an experienced boater, you might be able to steer around them at certain water levels.
Stovepipe
Stovepipe is the last major rapid in Northgate Canyon. You'll know you're there by the sheer canyon walls and a slight right turn. After this rapid, there's a good spot to take your boat out if you're on a day trip. Look for a tall rock pillar. The rapid itself is a big, wavy section of water. Be careful not to go too far right, or you might hit the canyon wall!
