The Monroe Bridge Dryway is one of numerous dewatered sections on rivers throughout the country. Under normal operations, every drop of water is run through the canal and into the powerhouse, emerging in the pond at the bottom having spent its energy turning the turbines to generate electricity. When the water is diverted back into the riverbed, the hydropower operator loses money, but boaters gain valuable recreation. Put in for the Dryway at the dam in Monroe Bridge or just downstream of the town center where a rough path leads to a lower access. The scenery at the dam is nothing to write home about, with a large decaying factory littering the right bank and the dam just under the bridge.
Access is down a steep, loose bank.
This access is scheduled to be improved soon by the power company and can only become safer and more convenient. Beware the debris on river right especially where spikes and sharp metal edges are visible at low water. Another short pool leads to Split Hair, the first of the more difficult drops. Also known as Governor's Rapid, this one is class IV at most levels and holds several excellent eddies, inspiring surfing waves, and a somewhat nasty pourover on river left at the bottom. The Split Hair rock is the large one in the center halfway down - go left or right, but decide before you hit the rock.