Mile 26.5 - Tiger Wash Rapid

The name Tiger Wash likely stems from alternating layers of limestone and chert, which resemble the stripes of a tiger. Equally plausible, the name could come from the prominence of “desert varnish” (a combination of iron and manganese oxides) on the surrounding limestone faces, which also look like stripes. Because of significant constriction and drop, the rapid contains powerful waves and currents that often overwhelm boats and rafts of all sizes.