Its upper course is through a narrow valley bordered by steep, rocky hills. Upon the line of Wyoming and Livingston counties, it breaks through a mountain barrier in a deep gorge and forms the Portage Falls. Below this point the course of the river is through a valley  wide and bordered by banks  high.
Its upper course traverses a narrow, secluded valley flanked by rugged, rocky slopes. Along the border of Wyoming and Livingston counties, it surmounts a mountain barrier in a profound chasm and creates the Portage Falls. Below this point, the river's path is through a broad, open valley with high banks.