Forgot to mention, we've done the Powerhouse on the Snoqualmie a few times already and are looking for something new.

Thx,

D

The Yakima river from the Teanaway confluence down to Thorp  is a great run for kids. Only a few easy class 2 rapids. Nice scenery. And ample water until the flip flop occurs in early september due to releases from Cle Elum dam.

I'm pretty sure its in the Bennett book. Access is pretty easy too.

Thanks for the feedback. I'm considering the McMillin to Puyallup section of the Puyallup River, http://www.professorpaddle.com/rivers/riverdetails.asp?riverid=543, but there is little beta on the page. I may have a chance to run kayak it before our trip on the 28th, but would still like some input if anyone has any.

The gauge currently reads 2140 cfs, with a little climb over the past week. The page lists 300 cfs as the minimum, though that is probably a minimum for kayaks, not rafts. I hope it will hold through the 28th. It is controlled at the Electron Dam west of Mt. Ranier, but I don't know what their schedule is, or how to find out.

Can anyone tell me when the Twin Falls to 436th St. Bridge section of the S. Fork Snoqualmie comes in? I know that is like asking for a far-distant weather prediction, but any guesses would be great.
http://www.professorpaddle.com/rivers/riverdetails.asp?riverid=604

Also, I'm not sure how to estimate run time based on distance and average gradient. For instance, the McMillin to Puyallup run is 6.1 miles, with an average gradient of only 12 fpm. Barring any delays on the river, would this likely come out to a few hours (3-4). We'll be rafting, and I know that will impact the run time differently than if we were kayaking.

Thx,

D

Thanks, which section of the NF Stilly?

Moose Creek to Oso is too low, and I don't see any other class II section.

The SF has a couple class II sections, Deer Creek to Mallardy, and Granite Falls to Jordan, but they are both low also.

Thx,

D

There are a couple youtube videos of the puyallup and white rivers from last summer
Puyallup:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBbtYjG4Hc0&feature=search
White:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cK0RKTHIlwc&feature=search
I was looking for class II rivers to run I think I will go to the white on the 28th
Feel free to e-mail me if you ever want to do a run together.
jerath23@hotmail.com

The Sky is alright. It'll be scrapey on the gravel bars this time of year though.
You won't want to hear this but I'd suck it up, pack the car for a 4 hour drive and come to the Lower White Salmon. From Hussum Falls to Northwestern Lake is the best stretch of Class II in the state of Washington.

Here's why:

-away from roads and relatively secluded
-very beautiful and scenic
-very channelized, deep CLEAN class II (the Suiattle by comparison is basicly class II with class V hazards)
-two or three rapids barely have a class II+/III- distinction, yet are easily navigated by who ever is guiding the raft- un aided.
-nice little surf wave about halfway down
-fascinating natural history to share with your kids

here's the drawback: It's short. only 2 miles at the most. But hey, if you pack a picnic, there are a few beaches along the way to stop and lengthen your trip.

seriously- I haven't explored much class II on the OP, but throughout the rest of WA, I've been largely un impressed.

The Lower White Salmon is some QUALITY class II.

Too low now, but great for winter thru June is the NF Lewis. There is one rapid that is either 2+ or 3- near the end of the run. Besides that the rest of the run is class 2 and has fantastic views of waterfalls.

The only downside is the access at the put-in is a bit of a grunt to get rafts in, but I have done it. If you have a few fit adults to help you wrestle boats down you should be fine. Take out is EZ.

http://professorpaddle.com/rivers/riverdetails.asp?riverid=493

On the Beckler you can count on wood portages... oh wait... I see you actually mean the SF Sky starting at the Beckler. yes, that is a very nice class 2 run.

The Cedar can be nice in fall for watching the migrating salmon. Some time in October they start dumping more water from the dam. I've taken people down from Maple Valley to the Cedar Grove road bridge for salmon watching trips. It's class 2, the main hazards are just shallow water and river bends where most of the water go towards the bushes and overhanging limbs that takes some skill to keep away from.