This largely ignored and stunningly beautiful section of the Wind River generally runs when the Wind River is in the 6-7 foot range. You'll need to gauge the flows for yourself at put-in an take-out as there is no good gauge that can be used to make a decision.
Although the rapids are technically Class III and III+, you'll need to be a confident Class IV boater to responsibly run this section. It is fairly continuous and there is a bit of wood. High water could be scary here since there may not be adequate eddies to avoid wood and scout/portage Kingpin (V). Most people portage Kingpin on the right side since it has a boulder sieve and generally has logs stuck in it.
Others have rated this section Class III+ but I'm going to rate it a solid Class IV (P) assuming most boaters portage Kingpin. The continuous nature of the river, constant wood, and uncertainty about flows require a high level of team boating, boat scouting, and decision making that make the run more difficult than than the skill required to simply run the rapids.
Trip Highlights
Mile 0: Put-in at a turn out along the Wind River Road (NF-30) just upstream of the confluence with the Wind River and Falls Creek.
Upper Upper Wind Put-in Along Wind River Road
Mile 0.4: Falls Creek enters from the left side.
Mile 0.8: There is another road turnout on river right the provides an alternate put-in.
Mile 1.1: The river leaves the road and enters a beautiful gorge with fun Class III+ rapids and a bit of wood in the river.
Typical Scenery on the Upper Upper Wind River
Mile 1.65: Kingpin (V) is generally portaged on the right side as it has both a boulder sieve and and wood in it. There are a couple easy to spot eddies on the right to catch as you come around a corner and see a boulder pile. There is a run down the left side if there are no logs choked in that route.
Portaging Kingpin on the right
Mile 1.7: Dan's Rapid is one of many fun Class III and III+ rapids downstream of Kingpin. Although the rapids are generally Class III and III+ the continuous nature of the river and the regularly placed wood give this section a solid Class IV rating.
Mile 1.95: Ninemile Creek enters on the left side.
Mile 2.45: Portage on the right side around a big river wide logjam that comes up fast. Keep an eye out for this portage as it comes up fast - especially at high water.
River wide Logjam on the Upper Upper Wind River
Mile 2.9: The Wind River Road Bridge is an alternative take-out. There isn't much whitewater downstream so this is a way to shorten your paddle.
Mile 4: Take-out on the right side below the Mineral Springs Road bridge.
