1 Review
5
out of
5
The Little White Salmon River flows through a basalt gorge that combines crystal-clear water with a riotous mix of steep boulder gardens, ledges, and waterfalls. The spring-fed water is always cold. For expert paddlers only, this river has few peers in the Pacific Northwest. The run is a continuous experience of boat-and bank-scouting along the river's entire length. Be prepared for long scouts your first time down and always be on the lookout for logs.
The bridge over the river below the Willard Fish Hatchery divides the river into two sections. Paddlers reasonably run the upper section (Section 1) at a much narrower range of water levels than they do the lower, primary section (Section 2). A stream gage is located on the right bank of the river down steps near the Willard Fish Hatchery. Run the upper section at readings of 3 to 3.6 feet (1,000 to 1,500 cubic feet per second); run the lower section between 1.8 and 3.6 feet. Levels above 3.3 feet are intense, requiring paddlers to have prior knowledge of the lines through the rapids. Below 2.5 feet on the gage, the river is bony and full of rocks. Levels between 2.6 to 3 feet are ideal for a first-time experience on the lower river.
The Little White Salmon River flows through a basalt gorge that combines crystal-clear water with a riotous mix of steep boulder gardens, ledges, and waterfalls. The spring-fed water is always cold. For expert paddlers only, this river has few peers in the Pacific Northwest. The run is a continuous experience of boat-and bank-scouting along the river's entire length. Be prepared for long scouts your first time down and always be on the lookout for logs.
The bridge over the river below the Willard Fish Hatchery divides the river into two sections. Paddlers reasonably run the upper section (Section 1) at a much narrower range of water levels than they do the lower, primary section (Section 2). A stream gage is located on the right bank of the river down steps near the Willard Fish Hatchery. Run the upper section at readings of 3 to 3.6 feet (1,000 to 1,500 cubic feet per second); run the lower section between 1.8 and 3.6 feet. Levels above 3.3 feet are intense, requiring paddlers to have prior knowledge of the lines through the rapids. Below 2.5 feet on the gage, the river is bony and full of rocks. Levels between 2.6 to 3 feet are ideal for a first-time experience on the lower river.
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