Upper Klickitat River
River: Upper Klickitat River (Parrot Crossing to Leidl Bridge)
Location: Glenwood, Washington
Date: Saturday, May 25th - Monday, May 27th, 2024 (Memorial Weekend)
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Rating: Class III+
Length: 19 Miles
Trip Summary:
We will boat the Upper Klickitat River on Saturday, May 25th for 19 miles taking out at Leidl Campground. Sunday we'll do it again, possibly shortening the trip with an earlier take-out, depending on what the group wants to do. Camping will be Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights at Doug & Nancy Smith's property just outside Glenwood, WA. Saturday night we'll have a potluck dinner and bonfire. For sure we will run the river Saturday and Sunday. Monday is TBD - we may run the lower lower section or only the 1st half of the upper section. We could run the White Salmon if folks are up for that. So come up for the whole weekend or whatever portion works for you. Monday afternoon Doug and I will head over to the Natches River for Scott Harvey's trip. Details on that TBA.
Hazards:
The first half of the trip is class III+, continuous cold water with the possibility of some significant tree hazards. Swims can be dangerous, so wet suits or dry suits are recommended and a class IV attitude with constant attention to the oars is needed. The second half mellow somewhat to a class II+ to III run and is less continuous. The two sections are separated by the Yakama Fish Hatchery where there is road access to the river and an opportunity to pick up less adventurous passengers (i.e. kids). We will stop above the hatchery and scout the dam on the left in order to see exactly where the rebar is. Do not run the dam on the right side! If anyone might wants to run earlier in the week, Steve and Doug will probably check the river for wood so get ahold of Steve if you want to help with that.
Signups:
You must sign up for this trip by emailing the trip leader, Steve Herring (). This trip is limited to 18 rafts, split into two groups of 9 if necessary. Let Steve know if you will be participating in the potluck (and what you might like to bring) and which days you want to boat. Also, let him know if you have a paddle raft and you're looking for paddlers, or if you'd like to join a paddle raft. If you don't know these details yet, that's fine but the more information you can give as to your plans, the better. Trip participants will be emailed additional details regarding the facilities at the Smith property including the directions to get there. More details about the potluck will also be emailed so we don't end up all bringing the same thing.
