Mile 20.0 — Paddling the Chain in Medium Water: — SLG: Stay Middle Channel

At 16 feet SLG advanced paddlers can easily negotiate the Chain of Rocks by staying in the broad central tongue of flow found to the right of the old intake structures and riding the rollers over the break.   The biggest tongue of water seems to form to the right of the two intake structures (which look like 2 isolated castles standing in the middle of the river). Use paddler’s common sense and go with the smoothest line of water entering the widest V-line, and keep your eyes open for any last-minute adjustments that might become necessary.   As with all things on rivers, the conditions change from year to year, especially after big floods.

In head winds the waves will pile higher than in tail winds. Stay with the central tongue of water where possible for the best route. Follow the fast water exploding outwards and downstream from the Chain and paddle on to your next destination whether it be camp on Mosenthein Island, or on downstream to the Arch and the St. Louis Harbor.

As the water rises above 16SLG the falls flatten accordingly. The biggest waves and most turbulent waters are still found against either banks, Missouri RBD or Illinois LBD. Safest route is to stay in the middle and pick out the smoothest V-line tongue.   At 20SLG the best flow is directly behind and in between the two towers. At 24 feet SLG any intermediate or advanced paddlers can run the Chain with only slight disturbance.