Fall 2006 Issue of Gorge Magazine
Whitewater Kayaking in the Columbia River Gorge
By Jonathan Blum/Wet Planet - the center for whitewater rafting and kayaking in the Columbia River Gorge - Washington and Oregon .
Looking up from the bottom of a river canyon is an amazing and unique way of experiencing the natural beauty that the Columbia River Gorge has to offer. The Gorge is endowed with some of the most incredible rivers and steep creeks in the nation, providing a whitewater playground for beginner through expert paddlers. The abundance of tantalizing kayak runs makes The Gorge a must-visit paddling destination as well as an excellent place to learn how to kayak.
Rivers in the Gorge
The unique geology of the Columbia River Gorge gives its rivers spectacular beauty and diversity. From deep columnar basalt canyons to waterfall-studded gorges, this region has it all. Glacial melt from Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, and lower snow packs spill refreshingly cold, clean water for pure paddling pleasure.
The White Salmon River, with four different runnable stretches, offers kayaking opportunities for any level paddler. The White Salmon is the most frequented river in the area, 15 minutes from downtown Hood River. Beginners appreciate the exciting Class II rapids in the lower section from Husum to Northwestern Lake, while intermediate paddlers take advantage of the Class III+ section from BZ Corner, ending with the spectacular Husum Falls. The air fills with cheers and screams as kayakers, some expert and some not, huck themselves off this 12-foot cascade. Upstream from BZ Corner lies the Class V Green Truss and the Farmlands sections, a year-round training ground for advanced and expert kayakers. The White Salmon River is an adrenaline rush for paddlers of any level and can be run year-round, unlike many other rivers.
A short 20-minute drive from the White Salmon River is the Little White Salmon River, one of the most acclaimed steep creeks in the world. The Little White has achieved legendary status among expert kayakers and commands the respect of any paddler with the skill to venture down it. The largest drop on the run, Spirit Falls, is an exhilarating 33-foot waterfall that is regularly kayaked. The Little White has an extreme gradient of 238 feet per mile, making it one of the steepest and most challenging rivers in the area. Paddler Magazine rated it one of the top five Class V summer runs in the country.
The Hood River provides kayakers with another whitewater wonderland. It comes off the flanks of Mt. Hood and has epic scenery with basalt gorges, large boulder gardens, and exciting rapids. The West Fork and East Fork of the Hood are both intermediate to advanced runs that journey through a breathtaking landscape of basalt cliffs and boulders. When the two forks come together to form the Main Fork of the Hood, the river continues with Class III-IV whitewater until the Tucker Bridge. Below the Tucker Bridge are Class II-III rapids down to the mouth at the Columbia.
Getting on the water
For first time kayakers, instruction is essential for success and enjoyment of whitewater kayaking. Learning fundamental skills such as the Eskimo Roll, eddy turns, paddle strokes, and river reading from a qualified instructor will ensure that you have a pleasant first experience and develop good paddling habits. A good instructor will also offer invaluable advice on appropriate gear, river etiquette, and whitewater safety. Kayaking has a moderate learning curve, but for the determined novice, their hard work will be quickly rewarded with the sheer bliss of being on the river.
The Columbia River Gorge has excellent options for kayaking instruction. Wet Planet Whitewater, located in Husum, WA, lies on the banks of the White Salmon River and offers two and three-day Introduction to Whitewater Kayaking courses. Wet Planet also runs private, catered instruction and advanced clinics from their picturesque headquarters. Courses include access to their private pool, gourmet meals, all equipment, and some of area's most qualified and experienced instructors. (wetplanetwhitewater.com/800-306-1673).
Gorge Paddling, based out of Hood River offers beginner instruction in whitewater kayaks as well as sit-on-top day trips on the Klickitat River. (gorgepaddling.com/541-386-9343).
The Columbia Gorge Kayak School also offers courses in Hood River and Portland for beginner to advanced paddlers. The School has an office in Hood River, and teaches at the Hood River Pool for beginner courses. (gorgekayaker.com/541-308-0282)
For paddlers seeking new gear or river information, The Kayak Shed in Downtown Hood River is the local's choice. The Shed has friendly staff, a hearty selection of boats and equipment, and a central location. (6 Oak Street, Hood River).
Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe also has a wide selection of equipment with more gear aimed at the Canoeist and touring kayaking. With buyer satisfaction guaranteed and locations in Hood River, Portland, and Bend, Alder Creek is an excellent paddle shop. (1020 Wasco St, Hood River)
For more information on the local rivers, consider a guidebook such as Soggy Sneakers for Oregon, or A Guide to the Whitewater Rivers of Washington. River gauge information and whitewater resources can also been found at Americanwhitewater.org.
Final strokes
The Columbia River Gorge is an amazing destination for whitewater kayakers. The beauty that is found at the bottom of a river canyon is unsurpassed by any that lies above it. Traveling by river, one experiences things that are missed by other outdoor enthusiasts: sunlight filtering through the forest canopy and reflecting off the bottom of a river, salmon jumping up a waterfall at you, or natural springs cascading down a cliff face. When you are on the river, you can experience the magnificence of nature and the power harnessed in the flow of a river. Whitewater kayaking in Washington and Oregon is an incredible experience ... so go get out on the river!