A message to the whitewater world! The normal House Run put in outside of Osprey Rafting in Leavenworth is being monitored this year.

YOU MUST CHECK IN WITH OSPREY RAFTING BEFORE USING THIS PUT IN OR YOU WILL BE TOWED.

After some unfortunate events this winter as well as the parking lot getting a bit out of hand, Gary has decided to stay more aware of those using the put in on his private property.

You are still welcome to park at Osprey Rafting, but if you don't check in you will be towed and not welcome back.

According to the googles the access is in Okanogan-wenatchee NF, so I guess what I'm asking is the issue over the access or parking at Osprey?

Thanks, that makes more sense.

what liability could someone incur?  I've heard the same about Index.  Forgive me, I'm a newb

Liability: So someone could trip and fall, break a leg or arm, and then try to sue the property owner...then that ruins the fun/access for all of us!  I'm sure there's many other situations that could occur too, that's just one example.

I don't think anyone is questioning whether it's a liability to park in the osprey lot without permission, what concerns me is osprey not allowing access to the "house run" put in. All maps point to that being on public land.

In regards to the Sky I'm curious if anyone has put in at the little park on the upstream side of the bridge on the North Fork Sky? I've been told that we are not allowed to put in at this park because the town of index doesn't want us to. Is this correct? I was told that they are concerned about liability but this is all hearsay as far as I'm concerned. The Sky is one of the highest use rivers in the immediate Seattle area yet the most common access areas are managed by a private entity. So my question is; is there public access on the NF Sky above the bridge?

I've been pushing to start using the Railroad access because I've always hated the Split Rock take out for reasons that everyone seems to agree upon (basically crossing the highway there is dangerous and an accident could lead to the closing of that access). The SF Access is great and I'm thankful for all the work that has been put in to make that a legitimate put in, but the NF sees just as much traffic.

I hate to turn this thread into a river access debate but I think it's a question worth asking.

Yes I know that signing a waiver every time I use the Wave Trek put in an take out isn't a "big deal" but on a matter of principle I would like to be able to access the river without having to be funneled through Wave Trek's store front every time I want to get an after work lap on the sky in. I also don't like the idea of monopolizing the parking right in front of a business like that, especially on a Saturday when there are lots of rafting trips going out and Wave Trek's customers need a close place to park.

So are there any solutions that come to mind?

So my input is just based on conjecture (what I have been told). Jed, you are correct in your statement that putting on the NF Sky at the Index river park (across from the Postoffice/Store) is indeed illegal. They (the town of Index) does consider it a liability, so I have been warned. The use of the RiverHouse putin does require the signing of a waiver, but that's a one time deal and they have always been super cool and welcoming of Kayakers using their access to rio. Parking can be an issue if there is an event in town or on the river, and it's always a good policy NOT to park right in front of their storefront. They (OAC) also manage the takeout at Split, and request that we use common sense, pick up trash, and don't park on the north side of Hwy (river side), as that seems to attract more tourons.

As for the House run, I know nothing... it sounds to me like if you plan to park at Osprey, then check in and sign a waiver- then boat. Otherwise use a Hwy2 pullout. I don't think Osprey is looking to control access to the House run, just their parking lot and access to rio from their property, which makes sense give the litigious age we live in.

Common sense is all it takes. I can think of only one close call there and I'm not surprised who allegedly caused it. Allegedly..   

But this thread ain't about Split Rock.

Its about the Haus Run on the Wenatchee. Note das proper spelling.

Look, My man the Wacko Dude said it right. If you want to park at Gary's, you ought to respect the man and his property. If you don't have any kind of rationship with him or his company, or his Band of Merry Raft Guides, well, maybe ya just got no biz parking there like ya own da place.

That said, the actual put in commonly used is in fact FS property, so have at it. You just can't and shouldn't park at Osprey without permission. There are three places to park between the West end of Der Town and Exit. Figure it out.

Why has this topic lasted as long as it has? PPeeps must be bored. I'm trapped in an airport with a bunch of pudgy mugglez. What's your excuse?

'nough said. Gary calls the shots on the Osprey parking lot. Everything west of the Willkommen sign is public. Get your haus run on, add on fast and furious, warm up on exit, whatever. Its all good up there.

ROCK ON, MILLER!!!

SOME CLARIFICATIONS:

As H2Ohta has said, the ACTUAL PUT IN to the House Run is, in fact, on Gary's land (or land Gary is leasing) and for this reason it is actually a liability.

WITH THAT SAID, We love our kayakers! Yak on! You are free and welcome to use the put in (no waiver required) but with the request that you PLEASE check in with Osprey first. You can park in our parking lot instead of parking in the road; this helps Osprey out a lot!

Osprey is looking for a mutually beneficial relationship -- we're boaters, too! No one's keeping you off the river, just asking that you please be respectful.

Thank you all so much and sorry for the initial lack of clarity.

As long as you call it a water pipe...