Undeterred (encouraged?) by signs that tents were not allowed at the Turpin Meadows Campground due to grizzly bear activity, we drove on to the campground at the end of the road and just a mile shy of the Teton Wilderness. We had a quick look at the Buffalo Fork. Although we were told that we needed >500 cfs to run the river in a packraft, the current 350cfs looked considerably more enjoyable than the condition we found the Hoback to be in in the morning. I suggested we might just barely have enough time to packraft it if we were motivated. To my surprise Sara rallied to get gear together and we set off from the camp at a very late (but cool I guess) 6pm. It was a pretty loose and dusty pack trail we followed to the confluence of the North and South Buffalo forks, but we clipped along at a speedy pace knowing that daylight was a precious and fading commodity. We reached the river at 7:30pm and set-off at a disturbingly late 7:45pm! To save time we opted for splash jackets instead of a full wetsuit and hoped for the best.
To gain time we paddled hard down the mile of wide open meandering river down some minor riffles as the last of the day's light left the hills above. In minutes the Buffalo Fork gorge built up around us, and the river narrowed and steepened to mimic the surroundings.The low river level and fading light meant extra challenges identifying and avoiding shallow rocks. The rapids were excellent, the scenery superb. Though we were pressed for time and had four miles of gorge to go, the river moved swiftly and we made efficient time. I read most of the rapids with Sara following but one of the most menacing, where the river narrowed and squeezed over a drop between rocks, Sara boldly powered past me and slipped over effectively. For almost three miles a group of ducks, on what I can only imagine was the duck equivalent of an evening walk, ambled on ahead of us down all the rapids.
I got few photos due to the low light conditions and drive to push forward. After what seemed like a lot longer than an hour, we reached the riverbank nearest the campground and carried our boats the short distance to our campsite. The last of the visible light, 8:45pm, 5 miles of excellent wilderness boating in one hour! Though tired and hungry and perhaps a little cold, I was super impressed that Sara rallied to fit in one more adventure. It was an excellent and memorable trip, even if the photos don't quite show it.
We had a great night's sleep in the cozy grizzly-proof confines of the Prius at our quiet campsite, feeling pretty satisfied at what we had already managed to fit in over three days of vacation despite much driving.
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