Virgin River guide-- Washington Fields

This guide is intended only to provide information to river runners and is not intended to be a complete description of any section of river. Hazards can change in minutes. Some hazards may not be listed. Boaters should always scout their runs and check with local sources for the latest information.

Virgin River
Washington Fields

Washington Canal diversion and Virgin river

Section: SR-9 Bridge in Harrisburg to Man-O-War bridge in Bloomington
Length: 17.8 mi
Class: II
Gradient: 15 ft/mi
Flows: Minimum, about 200 cfs.
Gage: 09408150 Virgin River nr Hurricane, 09413200 Virgin River nr Bloomington
Put-inelevation, location: 2,770 ft. Put-in up or downstream of SR-9 bridge. There are small turn-outs on either side. Traffic is high speed across the bridge.
Take-out: Man-O-War bridge in Bloomington (Take the Bloomington I-15 exit, follow the west frontage road about 1/2 mi, turn right on Man-O-War Road, follow to the river), river left just upstream of the bridge. The Washington Canal Diversion (4.5 mi), Washington Fields bridge or River Road bridge (13.0 mi) can also be used as take-outs. Please note that the Canal Diversion and the land downstream are private ground, as is much of the river corridor on this stretch.
Character of run: A mostly rural run in a valley flat through an agricultural (but increasingly developed) landscape. This is one of the few stretches of the Virgin that is suitable for canoes and other flat-water craft. The river follows the west flank of the Virgin anticline for 4.5 miles before it turns west and cuts through the reef at the Washington Canal diversion. The diversion is a MANDATORY PORTAGE. The river then meanders for 7 miles through Washington Fields. A take-out can be arranged at the River Road bridge (13.0 mi) in St. George. Just downstream of the I-15 bridge (15.3 mi) is a river-wide, 3-ft high fish barrier dam. This probably should be portaged at low flow, a big surf wave(???) at high flow. There is good wildlife viewing along this stretch, especially early in the morning. Bird life is abundant along the green river corridor, muskrat are often seen, and deer come to the river to drink. Leatherback turtles inhabit the stream channel.
Special Notes: This is rural country and fences will be encoutered along the river. Other man-made obstacles will probably be encountered. The fish barrier dam, just downstream of the I-15 bridge is a possible portage.

Virgin River Washington Fields

Virgin River
Washington Fields