Summer Paddling Destinations

By Otterboy

Most people associate whitewater kayaking with rivers filled to the brim with springtime snowmelt. The Pacific Northwest has plenty of that, but once the snow is gone what’s a paddling addict to do? Fortunately this area’s abundant water resources ensure that you’re never without a paddling destination. Here are some ideas for summertime paddling.

Rivers that Flow Year-Round

You're not going to run into any big water, but between residual snowmelt, the odd rainstorm and groundwater, many of our local rivers have adequate flows well into summer or even year-round. Also, I’ve found that guidebooks tend to overestimate the minimum flow.

The Skykomish - If you hang around Seattle paddlers in the spring, you'll hear the saying, "No Sky ‘til July!" At peak snowmelt, the Skykomish can easily run between 10,000 and 15,000 cfs. It's great fun at these levels, but during spring most boaters head over the mountains to the Wenatchee or else jump on the snowmelt-fed creeks higher up in the Skykomish Drainage. Fortunately it's runnable well below 1,000 cfs, so when everything else is dry the Skykomish remains a beautiful Class III (IV) run close to town. Add in decent play waves and there is always something to do.

The White Salmon - The White Salmon originates deep under Mount Adams in Washington state, however most people associate it with the paddling scene in Hood River, Oregon. Meltwater percolating through the volcano's basalt base feeds springs that supply the White Salmon with adequate flows year-round. This is one of my favorite rivers in the state. Along a single stretch you find a total of four quality runs. The Class IV Farmlands section, the Class V Green Truss, Class III/III+ BZ Corners and a final Class II section.

Not only is the White Salmon a great river, but Hood River itself is a wonderful town. It’s long been a premier destination for windsurfing due to the afternoon winds that tear through the Columbia Gorge. The whitewater scene is strong as well. It seems that just about every car in town has a roof rack with a collection of kayaks, surfboards, bikes or some combination thereof. After a day on the water you’ll always find plenty of great places to eat and grab a beer. My favorite is the 6^th Street Bistro and Loft, but if that doesn’t suit you there are plenty of other options.

When Class V becomes Class IV

Quite a few rivers in the area, while low, remain at boatable flows late into the summer. Several of these are our Class V standards, which come down into the Class IV range after the snow is gone. These provide a great opportunity for Class IV paddlers to check them out.

My favorite is Tumwater Canyon. A frothing maelstrom of doom during peak runoff in July and August, this run is perfect for a warm-weather Class IV trip. Check out Brian Vogt’s 2005 trip report to see Tumwater at low water. This is one of the few places in Washington where I’ve been able to paddle without a dry top at all and it makes for a great summer day on the river. While most of Tumwater is read and run Class III+/IV, Chaos and POW (aka Perfection of Whitewater) are Class V regardless of levels. Take a hard look at these before committing. Both have portages on the right, and the road is always close at hand on river left.

Another summer classic is the Cascade. It’s a long drive from Seattle and has no real-time gauge, but this is generally below a Class V level by mid-July or August. Thanks to local paddler Chris Joose’s efforts, the wreck of the bridge that gave deadly Bridge Drop its name is gone. The Cascade is one long Class IV rapid at low levels, but it still demands respect. I have not run it since 2003, and we’ve had several flood events since then. Get some local beta before going, or plan to spend a lot of time scouting.

Cooper Creek is one of the best Class V steep creeks in the area. It’s less than 3 miles long, but provides an endless procession of ledges and tight, technical moves. For Class IV boaters low water runs beginning in the end of June are a highlight of the year. Like Tumwater, the Central Washington sun is a welcome change from our normal damp westside existence. Given how steep it is, this creek is surprisingly forgiving. The ledges aren’t easy, but they usually feed into recovery pools. At proper levels and with someone who knows the lines, this is a great place for up-and-coming Class IV creekers.

Canada

Just when you think all the water is gone for the year, the summer weather finally sets loose British Columbia’s massive snow pack. Many runs are so far north that they only break free in July or August. One of the best is the Thompson River. This is a big water Class III+ play run with a lot of great surfing. The Frog alone is worth the trip for dedicated playboaters. While in the area you can check out levels on the Stein, or Nahatlatch.

British Columbia has enough whitewater to keep you occupied for years, and these three runs don’t even scratch the surface. The only guidebook I know of is Claudia Schwab's “Whitewater in Southwest British Columbia”. You can purchase this book at the these locations.

The Ocean

The Pacific Ocean may not always provide you with perfect waves, but it never runs dry in the summer. There is generally good surfing near Westport, and La Push, Washington. It’s not the North Shore, but Washington’s exposed coastline can kick up some big waves. Like any other surf local, be sure not to antagonize the local packs of surfers. They’re not as territorial as those at some California breaks, and a little bit of surf etiquette will keep things that way.

And, of course, there is always Skookumchuck tidal rapids! Tidal rapids are one of the most interesting natural phenomena in the world, at least to those of us mesmerized by flowing water. They are formed when the tide is forced through a narrow channel. Such flows can be millions of cubic feet per second and redefine the term “big water.” The Pacific Northwest is fortunate enough to be close to one of the best play waves on earth. “The Skook” is located several hours north of Seattle on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia. Bring your playboat and a bombproof roll. Even at max flood Skookumchuck doesn’t exceed Class III, but the eddy lines can be fierce. Swimmers take “the tour,” a kilometer of boiling eddies and whirlpools that await the unwary.

Dam Controlled Rivers

The Tieton River flows regularly in September due to releases from Rimrock Reservoir. It’s not the best whitewater in the world – often too hard for beginning Class II boaters and too easy for those who are confident in Class III. However, it’s a great party scene and can be a lot of fun.

Even though the rapids are mostly Class II, it’s an extremely continuous run. If you swim, plan to lose gear. Better yet, don’t put on unless you have a solid roll. I made that mistake my first paddling year. Due to the kindness of strangers and the favor of the river gods I didn’t lose anything, but I did get my first up close and personal view of a log, banging up my leg hard enough to limp for a week. I was working as a foot courier at the time, and this was the first time I’d called in sick due to a kayaking injury. It wasn’t the last, either, but that’s another story.

With all of these options there’s no excuse to take the summer off!

Click here for a Google Map of these destinations.