| 2 - Pilchuck Creek Campsite to Highway 9 Bridge |
Pilchuck Creek
Class III-IV(V)
5.5Miles
River Mapplet
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| County |
Snohomish |
| Put In Longitude |
-122.1422729 |
| Put In Latitude |
48.320343 |
| Take Out Longitude |
-122.1647949 |
| Take Out Latitude |
48.2654228 |
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Gauge Information (Professor Paddle updated levels from Pilchuck Cr. @ Bridge 626 at 5/5/2010 1:00:31 PM)
| Gauge |
Forecast |
Height |
Current Flow |
Authority |
Physical Update |
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Pilchuck Cr. @ Bridge 626
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n/a |
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462 cfs
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Washington State DOE
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05/05/2010 11:45 |
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Minimum Recomended Level: 600 cfs Maximum Recomended Level: 2000 cfs
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Putin DetailsHike in on gated road or run the upper section too. To get to the gated road go north from the takeout and turn onto Finn Settlement road & go 4.5 miles. The road makes a sweeping left turn and the turnoff is on the outside of this bend. You'll see the gate a short ways down this road. You can scout the falls from an overlook on the walk in. |
Takeout DetailsHwy 9 Bridge, north of Arlington. |
Other IssuesFlows: You can scrape down as low as 500 cfs or so, but it's much more enjoyable with at least 800. At low water you may want to portage the falls to avoid removing too much plastic from your hull. |
Fun FactsOften this run is combined with the upper section to make a nice 10 mile trip with Lots of quality whitewater. |
Run DescriptionThis is the "middle" section. It is mostly class III, aside from the waterfall right at below Pilchuck Creek Campground. The Bridge at the C.G. is the put-in for this section, or, if you paddle down from the upper section, this bridge serves as your landmark to keep your eyes peeled for the falls. There are a few class III rapids winding around a few bends, then just below some powerlines lies the falls. Follow the current as it sweeps wide along the R. Right bank, and eddy out on R, Right to scout.If you hike up the steep bank just downstream of the falls you get the best overview of the most likely line you'll want.
You'll see the falls stretching diagonally across the river, broken roughly into thirds. The R.Left most third of the falls is monsterous. The Center third may have a few lines, but look and decide for yourself. The R. Right third has the conventional line. You'll see the obvious green tounge swooshing down. Just line up at the top and boof. Eddy out immediately below on the far R. Left so you can set safety for those who follow.
Below the falls the run remains active and fun. There are several focused, powerful class III rapids. Always keep a lookout for wood on this run, there are a few narrow canyons where wood could be a real hazard.
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