NOAH SUNFLOWER of Westfir took this shot of Oakridge kayaker Toby McMullen executing proper technique going off a small drop last Saturday at Shotgun Rapids on the North Fork of the Middle Fork of the Willamette River east of Westfir.
The technique, known to whitewater enthusiasts as the “boof stroke,” is a power stroke planted over the lip of the drop. It’s one of the most crucial skills in whitewater kayaking, and Sunflower ought to know. He and his wife Tracey own the Westfir Lodge and Mountain Market, literally just a stone’s throw from the fabled North Fork.
They also own and operate Cascade Outdoor Center, offering mountain bike shuttles, rafting, guided hiking and snowshoeing as well as flat-water kayaking at Larison Cove and whitewater kayaking on the Willamette’s Middle Fork. Commercial guiding is prohibited on the North Fork, but the Sunflowers have been joining in with the many recreationists who have been heading for Westfir this season to take advantage of good conditions on the river.
“The water is good now, very high, from March through June — excellent for whitewater adventures,” Noah Sunflower says. “Kayakers are showing up every day and especially on weekends. Last Saturday alone saw two groups of 10 each on the river.”
Shotgun Rapids, where Sunflower captured the image of McMullen, is about 8 1/2 miles upstream from the lodge and about 100 yards upstream from the Road 1912 bridge.
Tracey Sunflower took the lower photo on the same sun-splashed day, showing her husband Noah running the North Fork’s Miracle Mile farther upstream. She was perched on the Road 1925 bridge.
The Herald Welcomes Readers’ Photos
Oregon and all its communities along the Highway 58 corridor are blessed with many talented amateur photographers, and we have provided a place to share their work on this page. There’s no compensation – we’re a nonprofit, remember – but we will always credit the photographer and write a brief caption to go with each digital picture we publish here. We also warmly welcome black-and-white historical photos from our coverage area.
How and What to Submit
We welcome reader photos of news, nature or nothing much of anything as long as it involves life on the Upper Willamette and is fit for publication on a family news site. Email your picture as a .jpg file to [email protected] along with a brief description of what you photographed, when and where you did it, and perhaps even how you did it if there’s a bit of a story there. Also include your name, address and phone number for verification, and please tell us a little about yourself. Only your name will be published, in a credit line with your photo. An easy way to submit is by clicking here to use The Herald’s photo submission form.
📣 Support Your Local News Publication: Donate to Highway 58 Herald! 📣
The Highway 58 Herald is your trusted source for all things local, from community events to breaking news. But we need your help to keep delivering the stories that matter most to you. Your generous donation ensures we can continue providing in-depth reporting and vibrant coverage of our community.
Every dollar helps us maintain high-quality journalism and keep you informed. Please consider making a donation today and support the voice of our community. Donate today!
Thank you for helping us keep Highway 58 Herald strong and vibrant!