Tubing on the Saluda in Columbia (West Columbia, Cayce: to rent, theater, to live)

[Mary Ann789]

I've got a pile of questions
I haven't been on the Saluda before but want to go tubing with friends.

If you've gone tubing, canoeing or kayaking on the river:
Where did you put in?
Take out?
How long was the trip?

I've read about the Lake Murray dam releases and it sounds scary. Are there ample places to get out if the sirens sound that there is going to be a water release?

[waccamatt]

There is a huge siren on the Columbia side of the river near the zoo. Do not get in the river without a life vest on.

[Mary Ann789]

I can swim and will definately be wearing a life jacket. I am amazed at the number of drownings on the Saluda of people not wearing life jackets AND not knowing how to swim. That's just nuts.

[waccamatt]

Originally Posted by Mary Ann789

I can swim and will definately be wearing a life jacket. I am amazed at the number of drownings on the Saluda of people not wearing life jackets AND not knowing how to swim. That's just nuts.

You're right. I know how to swim and I still wouldn't risk it.

[Columbiadata]

A group of us from work put in just north of the pedestrian bridge at the zoo and got out at the West Columbia amphitheater. It took us probably about an hour and a half to two.

[jlboney]

I would definately go with the life vest. Of course, I can't swim at all, so I have to have one all the time when on the water.

[HowardRoarke]

Not to get too off topic here-the river level/current is a concern, yes, make sure if you ever go to Congaree Swamp you take into consideration the discharges and any recent rain storms in Upstate. Some folks have had close calls out there at the park, usually during the Spring time. Kinda dumb I think that people would risk slogging through trails with 1+ foot of water, and not take into consideration recent rains and the dam, but, whatever.

There have been at least 3 drownings in area rivers, this year.

[LexingtonDad]

Originally Posted by Columbiadata

A group of us from work put in just north of the pedestrian bridge at the zoo and got out at the West Columbia amphitheater. It took us probably about an hour and a half to two.

That is a good plan. We used to live very close to the river in Cayce and would walk our raft down just below the Blossom street bridge and float down to the Cayce landing. You get a chance to see the old locks and can go to shore and good around them if you want.

[tonyadgraves]

Another option is going to Saluda shoals and renting a canoe or kayak. They (Saluda Shoals) pick you & your boat or canoe up down the river near Garden Dale. The folks at Saluda Shoals can answer all your questions. It is a very enjoyable part of the river and a great park.

[Steve_I]

Be aware of how dangerous the water can get at higher levels. Call "River Runner" to rent tubes/life vests, or call "Get Your Gear On" or "Adventure Carolina" for a guided kayak trip or classes.

The DNR has some info here:
-Here is more info: SCDNR - Designated Scenic Rivers

The usual thing I see tubers doing is parking in the Zoo parking lot, and putting in on the far upstream side of the parking lot (below Millrace, the large rapid). They will float down the the end of the Zoo and do it over again, or float down the the amphitheater on Gervais where there is good parking.

Here is a link the river map: http://www.icrc.net/client_resources...ng%2020061.jpg
I cant find a zoomed in version but you can get one for free at "Get Your Gear On" in Five Points.

The trip length will vary based on water levels. Call the above mentioned businesses to ask about the levels. Be aware that if you go to Gervais, you will want to know if the Broad river is running high as well, because they meet just downstream from the Zoo.

--------------Check for the river level before going-----------------
-To Check the levels go here and click "accept"
SCE&G - Lower Saluda River
-Or if you can read graphs:
@ the Zoo:
USGS Real-Time Water Data for USGS 02169000 SALUDA RIVER NEAR COLUMBIA, SC
@ the Dam:
USGS Real-Time Water Data for USGS 02168504 SALUDA RIVER BELOW LK MURRAY DAM NR COLUMBIA, SC