I'm interested in paddling on Saturday, and maybe on Friday.A few considerations. For whatever reason, the CFS guage on the PP site is not reading current flow. The flow right now is not 2300 CFS. The release is being reduced by the BLM. Here is a link that shows current flow:
At the time I am writing this, the flow is ~1800 CFS, which remains a good level. I ran it last year at 1200 cfs, which was ok.
The most significant aspect of the Tieton is its continuous flow, at least when it is running at 1900 or above. There are few eddies and they are small. So, if you swim, plan on a challenge to gather your gear and to get to a place to empty your boat. The shore often is covered with overgrowth.
The dam is not too challenging, but is potentially dangerous. Past the two dam warning signs, the channel braids into three entrances above the dam. You need to take the far right side. (The middle channel has a low footbridge that can't be seen from above.) Then you need to move left as you come around the corner to the top of the dam. Run the dam on the left, certainly left of center. The right side of the dam looks sticky, steep, shallow and bad.
Waffle wall -- below the village of Rimrock -- is the most challenging feature. It's not too bad, but after the initial drop and its lateral wave, the current pushes you right toward the wall, followed by two small pour-overs that can be sticky. Waffle wall can be scouted from river left.
More generally, there are visible strainers here and there, formed by wood extending from the shore toward 1/4 channel.
There is a good takeout on the south side of HWY 12, west of Windy Point Campground, east of Rimrock, at the bridge below a rock canyon. You need a Discover Pass to use the lot.
At this time in September, I suspect the high usage has waned, with camping sites available in the dispersed areas off Tieton Road (left 1/4 mile west of the Hawse (sp) Creek campground, west of Willows Campground).
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