RICKA Flatwater, BVPC and Wilderness Postings

RICKA Flatwater, BVPC and Wilderness Postings
[ RICKA Flatwater, BVPC and Wilderness Postings ]

West River Exploration Adventure - late Apr / early May

Posted by Frank on 4/6/2026, 8:10 am

I’d like to explore the southern section of the West River in Uxbridge from Rt 16 south to where it joins the Blackstone about a mile north of the Skull Rock Lock. I’ve never done this section. I’ve heard that it was explored 12-15 years ago and at the time was very overgrown. My thoughts are that the expedition will:
Drop the boats at the put in on the Blackstone on Rt 16 across from the Stanley Woolen Mills on Rt 16 in Uxbridge.
Shuttle cars to the Skull Rock put-in on Old Millville Rd in Uxbridge.
Return to the Rt 16 put in, launch and paddle about a mile downstream to where the West joins the Blackstone.
Paddle up the West River as far as we can, hopefully to the old mills on Rt 16 across from West River Rd. I anticipate encountering various obstacles that we will try very hard to overcome. This will include at least one dam that I plan to scout before the trip if it is accessible by land. We may get all the way up or we may not get far upstream before it is impractical to continue.

When we must, we'll turn around and paddle downstream to Skull Rock.

I would like to do this in late April or early May. If you’re possibly interested in participating in this adventure, reply here or reach out to me to discuss. Frank

Re: West River Exploration Adventure - late Apr / early May

Posted by Gary P. on 4/6/2026, 12:52 pm, in reply to "West River Exploration Adventure - late Apr / early May"

We did this exact paddle in 2014 with the Greenway Challenge except we ended just a bit further, parking our cars on Old Millville Road where the river turns 90-degrees. Total distance was 3.5 miles but very interesting. I do not remember overgrowth unless you don't make the correct direction decision and head down West River for a stretch. In Sept. there was low water at times. One note that the broken dam just south of the Stanley Woolen is doable but should be scouted depending on water conditions. I have been wanting to do this paddle again for 10 years but might not be available in early May. Can I convince you to consider later May, let the angry Spring waters calm a bit over the broken dam and have a bit warmer weather?

Re: West River Exploration Adventure - late Apr / early May

Posted by Steve N on 4/6/2026, 3:50 pm, in reply to "Re: West River Exploration Adventure - late Apr / early May"

Sounds like fun I haven't done that section.

Re: West River Exploration Adventure - late Apr / early May

Posted by Mark T on 4/6/2026, 6:01 pm, in reply to "Re: West River Exploration Adventure - late Apr / early May"

I grew up in Uxbridge and used to run the West all the time. Upton down to the dam and all the way to the Blackstone. An interesting nearby river is the Mumford. Short section from Hartford Ave to rt 16 is really fun. I would take out in my backyard at the Capron House.

Re: West River Exploration Adventure - late Apr / early May

Posted by Paul on 4/7/2026, 9:08 am, in reply to "Re: West River Exploration Adventure - late Apr / early May"

Sounds like a good one Frank. Always wondered about that section. Oh, and Gary, fear not the angry Spring waters, for they bring joy to many a whitewater paddler!

Re: West River Exploration Adventure - late Apr / early May

Posted by Mike B on 4/6/2026, 4:20 pm, in reply to "West River Exploration Adventure - late Apr / early May"

Did that trip 12-15 years ago with Jim Cole and Ric Sousa. We put in at the West river crossing at Rt.16 just below the bridge. Took it downstream to the Blackstone confluence and took out at the Rt.122 boat launch (Skull Rock lock). Quite the adventure. Plenty of Adlers and brush growing close together, twists and turns. Snips or a hand saw recommended. At the confluence the West is crystal clear merging with the opaque Blackstone waters. Easier to explore going down the West, than battling it up stream in the brush.

Re: West River Exploration Adventure - late Apr / early May

Posted by Jim C on 4/8/2026, 9:44 am, in reply to "Re: West River Exploration Adventure - late Apr / early May"

I'm up for that.

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