| |
|
By
Todd Collins/Wet Planet - the center for whitewater
rafting and kayaking in Washington and Oregon .
 When
the August 2005 issue of American Whitewater Magazine published
an article announcing their top five pick of expert-level summertime
kayak runs in the country, it was no surprise to local whitewater
enthusiasts in the Columbia River Gorge that two of the five chosen
rivers were located right in the heart of the Gorge. The article
simply confirmed what area visitors, whitewater enthusiasts, and
local professionals in the rafting and kayaking industry already
know: the Columbia River Gorge is one of the nation’s premiere
destinations for both recreational and professional river runners.
The Columbia River Gorge has it all: expert
kayakers enjoy the Little White Salmon (one of the most photographed
waterfall runs in the country), the Green Truss has been host to
professional paddlers from around the globe during the Gorge Games,
families with kids enjoy the warm waters and desert scenery of the
Deschutes, geology lovers marvel at the towering cliff walls of
the Klickitat River, and photographs of wide eyed rafters plunging
over the White Salmon River’s Husum Falls have become part
of numerous wedding albums. It is the combination of stunning Pacific
Northwest scenery, the unique geology of the Columbia River Gorge,
and year-round water flows that give the Gorge it’s unique
character. While river running enthusiasts in popular destinations
such as Colorado and California are running out of water in the
middle of the summer, visitors to the Gorge can enjoy gorgeous weather
all summer long while floating through deep basalt canyons on clear,
clean water spilling from the glaciers of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams.
Rivers of the Gorge
The best way to experience this amazing natural resource is by floating
one of the area’s incredible rivers. With a multitude of wild
rivers, providing options for everything from scenic float trips
for families, to great fishing, to challenging class V runs for
expert kayakers, the rivers of the Gorge offer something for everyone.
The following rivers, while representing only a few of the numerous
paddling options in the Gorge, all provide opportunities for both
rafters and kayakers of varying skill levels:
White
Salmon River
In the heart of the Gorge, just 10 min. North of Hood River and
slightly over an hour from Portland, you will find the crystal clear
White Salmon River flowing off of the glaciers of Mt. Adams and
down into the Columbia River. Designated for protection under the
Wild & Scenic Rivers Act due to its scenic value, the White
Salmon’s clear waters, basalt canyons, and various sections
of continuous rapids make this gem one of the most popular rivers
in the gorge for whitewater enthusiasts. Beginners will enjoy the
class I-II “Lower” White Salmon, which runs from just
below Husum Falls in the town of Husum to Northwestern Lake. The
“Middle” White Salmon, which begins in BZ Corners, is
one of the most popular sections of river in the Gorge for intermediate
to advanced kayakers and rafters of all abilities. Here, the White
Salmon boasts class III-IV whitewater flowing through a stunningly
beautiful basalt canyon. Commercial outfitters offer daily rafting
trips on this section of river April through September. Just upstream,
are the Farmlands and Green Truss sections of the White Salmon.
Both of these sections are more appropriate for experienced kayakers,
with the Farmlands serving up class IV+ rapids in a committing canyon,
and the Green Truss (one of American Whitewater’s top five)
presenting class V kayakers with legendary drops such as the 23’
vertical Big Brother Falls.
Husum Falls
In the summer, if you follow highway 141 towards Trout Lake, you
will cross the White Salmon River in the town of Husum. Park your
car on either of the two parking areas before or after the bridge.
On any summer day you will catch kayakers and wildly cheering rafters
plunging over the legendary 10ft high Husum Falls. This rapid is
the trip highlight for many rafters and kayakers on the Middle stretch
of the White Salmon. It’s also a great opportunity for spectators,
as the falls can be seen from the bridge. This often busy area in
Husum is a popular meeting point for many rafters and kayakers getting
ready to run either the intermediate ‘Middle Section’
or the beginner ‘Lower Section’ of the river. In most
areas of the Gorge you have to watch for wild-life crossing the
road; in Husum, you have to watch for crossing kayakers and rafters
…
Northwestern Lake
Many families, flat water canoers, fishermen, and dog owners enjoy
Northwestern Lake and its park. The small lake is formed by the
White Salmon River’s Condit Dam a few miles downstream from
Husum (scheduled to be removed in the Fall of 2008). Just after
you pass the bridge crossing the lake, you can turn left into a
small public park owned and maintained by Pacificorp, the owner
of the dam. Locals enjoy throwing a ball for their dog, or use the
parks tables and benches for a picnic or even barbeque. This park
is also used by the commercial outfitters and private kayakers and
rafters as the take-out for the Lower White Salmon.
Deschutes River
Located on the East side of the Columbia River Gorge, this river
offers multi-day to one day rafting trips. Like the White Salmon
River, it too is designated Wild & Scenic. Primarily spring
fed, the Deschutes runs year round. The most popular stretch of
the Deschutes is the half-day stretch based out of Maupin, a river
community where a countless number of outfitters offer guided trips
or raft rentals. Primarily a class II float trip with a few class
III rapids, this stretch is extremely popular for families with
younger children, first time rafters, and self guided trips. Beginner
kayakers also enjoy the warmer water of the Deschutes while developing
their skills on class II water. Due to its popularity, the local
river management agency has started restricting the daily numbers
of boaters on the river. So reserve your spots with an outfitter
before leaving your hotel or home! The upper stretches of the Deschutes
River provide some of the best options for multi-day river trips
in the Gorge, with most of the area’s outfitters offering
guided multi-day rafting and camping adventures.
Klickitat
River
The Klickitat River, with its headwaters in the Goat Rocks Wilderness
area north of Mt Adams, offers a full-day class III-III+ trip marked
by towering cliff walls, thick pine forests, and numerous side waterfalls.
Flowing through Conboy Wildlife Refuge, the Klickitat is one of
the most remote wilderness trips in the region. Most whitewater
paddlers on the Klickitat begin near the town of Glenwood, just
downstream of the off-limits Yakima Nation Reservation, and finish
18 miles downstream at Leidl Campground. Most of the whitewater
action is found in the first half of the trip, and many kayakers
opt to take-out at the fish hatchery located in the middle of the
run. Anglers often float the section of the Klickitat below Leidl
Campground, fishing for Salmon while meandering through a broad,
forested valley. The Lower Klickitat River, running from the town
of Klickitat all of the way to Lyle Gorge, offers numerous class
I-II sections of river that are great for beginning kayakers to
practice skills and develop their technique.
Wind
River
The class IV-V Wind River, located on the Washington side of the
Gorge a few miles east of Stevenson, has long been a popular run
for advanced kayakers due to the river’s challenging boulder
gardens and continuous gradient. The River is typically run in the
spring or during the rainy season from the town of Stabler all the
way to the Columbia River. If you are able to take your eyes off
of the whitewater action for a few moments during this run, you
will be treated to gorgeous side waterfalls and gorgeous canyon
scenery. As this river changes dramatically at different water flows,
it is a good idea to make your first trip with someone who knows
the river well. Three rafting outfitters (All Star, River Drifters,
and Wet Planet) offer commercial rafting trips on the Wind for experienced
rafters.
Getting Out on the River
There are plenty of resources in the Columbia River Gorge to help
both rafters and kayakers get out on the river, from kayak shops
in the town of Hood River, to kayak schools, to commercial rafting
outfitters. If you are an experienced paddler, and have your own
gear, a river guide-book and a good map will give you easy access
to numerous whitewater runs in the Columbia River Gorge. If you
need beta on water levels or river conditions, just give one of
the area shops or outfitters a call. They know the rivers well and
are happy to help with any information you might need.
For those looking for a guided rafting trip,
there are numerous local outfitters to choose from. Most of the
area’s rivers require permits from the Forest Service for
any commercial activities, so make sure you choose an established
outfitter for your trip. Professional river guides not only teach
you the techniques for rafting, but they will help ensure a complete
experience by providing a wealth of information about the natural
history of the area. The following Gorge based companies all provide
great rafting trips on a variety of rivers in the Gorge:
Rafting Outfitters
All Adventures Rafting
All Star
River Drifters
Wet Planet
Rafting and Kayaking (www.wetplanetwhitewater.com or 800-306-1673)
Zollers Outdoor Odysseys
For first time kayakers, instruction is
essential. Learning fundamental skills from a qualified instructor
will ensure that you have a pleasant first experience and develop
good paddling habits. Solid skills take time to develop, and good
instruction can help you minimize the risks while you are learning.
The Columbia River Gorge has excellent options for kayaking
instruction.
Kayak Schools and Retail Stores
Hood River-based Gorge Paddling offers beginner
instruction in whitewater kayaking during the summer as well as
sit-on-top day trips on the Klickitat River.
The Columbia Gorge Kayak School also offers
courses in Hood River and Portland for beginning to advanced paddlers.
This summer, the school will have their offices located at the Kayak
Shed in Hood River, and will teach beginner courses at the public
pool.
For paddlers seeking new gear or information,
the Kayak Shed in downtown Hood River is the locals’ choice.
The Shed has friendly staff, a hearty selection of boats and equipment,
and a central location.
Alder Creek Kayak and Canoe also has a wide
selection of boats and gear, with more gear aimed toward the canoeist
and touring kayaker. Alder Creek also offers flatwater touring trips
for kayakers on the Columbia River. With locations in Hood River,
Portland, and Bend, Alder Creek helps keep kayakers on the water
throughout the Pacific.
Wet
Planet Rafting and Kayaking, located on the banks of the White
Salmon River, offers year-round kayak instruction
in Washington and Oregon, from multi-day clinics for beginners
to summertime kids kayak camps, as well as rescue clinics for both
recreational paddlers and river professionals. Wet Planet courses
include use of their on-site private kayak pool, delicious lunches
during the courses, all gear and shuttle needs, and camping facilities.
Wet Planet is the only kayak school permitted by the Forest Service
to run kayak instruction on the White Salmon River (www.wetplanetwhitewater.com
or 800-306-1673).
With year-round water flows and incredible
scenery, the rivers of the Columbia River Gorge offer something
for everyone. Regardless of your level of experience or the manner
in which you choose to experience the area’s rivers, you are
sure to find a river trip in the Gorge that will create memories
for years to come. From the intimacy of the White Salmon’s
basalt canyons, to the towering cliffs of the Klickitat, to the
intensity of the Wind River’s challenging rapids, you are
sure to find a river trip that is perfect for you. Come explore
the Gorge, and experience the view from a river.
|
|
|
