Scouting Lava Falls

We pulled the dory to the shore above Lava Falls, the sound of the river’s roar growing louder as we scouted the chaotic stretch ahead. The canyon walls loomed high, casting long shadows over the rapids below, where massive waves and jagged rocks churned the water into a frothing frenzy. The river here was a beast, and the line was anything but forgiving. As we studied the falls, the power of the water was unmistakable — there was no room for error. Every move would need to be precise, every stroke a calculated choice. The air was thick with tension, a mixture of anticipation and respect for the river's raw force. We talked through the plan, checking each key feature we’d need to navigate, knowing that this would be the ultimate test of our skill, both in the boat and as a team.