Most of the 40-mile stretch between Quake Lake and Varney Bridge flows swiftly but at a very uniform depth. The river gushes in a wide, shallow channel averaging about 3 or 4 feet deep, and resembles a long, continuous riffle. Occasional large boulders present the only hazard for floaters. The cannonball-sized rocks that blanket the bottom of the river have a slick coating of algae that results in treacherous footing. The river winds through highly scenic country, with the lofty Madison Range to the east and the sage-covered foothills of the Gravelly Mountains to the west.
Access is excellent and much of the land bordering the river is publicly owned.
There are numerous picnic areas, campgrounds, and fishing access sites. The section of river from Varney Bridge to Ennis Lake braids into several channels where logjams and downed trees are common. Beginners should stay clear. Low summer flows may require floaters to drag their crafts over sandbars. The section of river from Ennis Bridge to the lake is an excellent area to view wildlife.