Re: the young guy that tried to cross and lost.  I don't swing around Smith Rocks anymore.  But when I was still in my young and crazy daze, I, nor any of my friends were ever tempted to ford the river in that location in the spring. I feel sorry for the young mans family and friends, but this was a poor choice. 
  
Not that most of us haven't made and survived poor choices.   
  
A bridge would not be a welcome addition.  
  
Retired Rock Ape