Nisqually
Printed From: ProfessorPaddle.com
Category: General
Forum Name: Whitewater Forum
Forum Discription: Open Discussion Forum. Whitewater related subjects only
URL: http://www.professorpaddle.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11636
Printed Date: 30 Jun 2025 at 7:43am
Topic: Nisqually
Posted By: BRoss
Subject: Nisqually
Date Posted: 01 Feb 2012 at 1:33pm
Has anyone been on the Nisqually McKenna to Yelm Hydro stretch recently? I'd like to know about the wood situation. Also, does anyone have a sense as to what level the character of the run changes from class 2, if it does? I'm looking at it as an option for Sunday for my wife and I. Seems like the flow will be >2K this weekend, and since I've never done the run I have no clue as to how appropriate that would be for a 2+/3- IKer.
-------------
"That boated a lot better than it looked." "It always does until it doesn't."
|
Replies:
Posted By: Tobin
Date Posted: 01 Feb 2012 at 5:43pm
I have not done that section since the last high water, but PM rainpadler - Rob Gibert and he will have info on the wood.
2k is bouldery class II with Big Kahuna probably in to class III? Easy portage scout on river R
We run this up to 6-7k and it is a kick in the pants. 2k is a good learning level.
PM me if you need any other info -
cheers
-------------
Sure?
|
Posted By: theo
Date Posted: 01 Feb 2012 at 10:30pm
|
I don't know about any recent wood from the recent stuff, but generally speaking, the Nisqually is pretty wide and all the rapids are very visible well in advance, so wood is rarely a significant issue. Big Kahuna is really the only place likely to trap problem wood, but in the years that I've been running this river, even this rapid has never had logs that couldn't easily be avoided. And 2000, or 2000+ is a very comfortable level for this stretch. A II+/III- paddler should have fun. If you're going on Sunday and would like some company, I'd like to join you. Ted
|
Posted By: ENDO
Date Posted: 01 Feb 2012 at 10:47pm
|
If it is ok possible satuday trip?
|
Posted By: theo
Date Posted: 01 Feb 2012 at 10:54pm
|
I've agreed to go skiing with some folks on Saturday.
|
Posted By: BRoss
Date Posted: 02 Feb 2012 at 10:03am
Thanks Tobin, theo, and ENDO! That sounds pretty perfect for what I'm looking for.
Ted, I'm not so sure of our plans, but I will let you know on Saturday.
-------------
"That boated a lot better than it looked." "It always does until it doesn't."
|
Posted By: rainpaddle
Date Posted: 02 Feb 2012 at 4:58pm
|
The wood was mostly along the banks when we did a quick run last weekend. There is one main channel blockage a half mile from put in that we went around on the right.. Otherwise it was fairly clear. At 2k it is a very easy run, with only Kahuna at about the halway mark being a 3. At 5-7k it is kind of Wenatchee-ish, but with brown water. Rob
|
Posted By: BRoss
Date Posted: 03 Feb 2012 at 8:24am
Thanks Rob!
-------------
"That boated a lot better than it looked." "It always does until it doesn't."
|
Posted By: gpolkin
Date Posted: 04 Feb 2012 at 9:19am
|
Hello guys,
I am hoping to get out on a II+ / III- run. I have not been on the river much in the last two years but have run this stretch once in the past and think I will be good. Have a solid pool roll which needs a little swift water testing.
If you are open to me tagging along please email me or call me with details.
Tks,
Greg 206-327-5373(cell)
|
Posted By: theo
Date Posted: 04 Feb 2012 at 9:32am
|
There's another couple of folks from another group that will be running the Nisqually Sunday, meeting at the takeout at 9 am. I am going to meet them then. Does that work for you BRoss, Greg? [ I know 9am is early, but the City of Centralia threatens to close the gate to the power station parking area at 3pm in the winter, so this gives plenty of time to run the river at whatever pace we feel like without having to worry about being locked out. ] Ted
|
Posted By: gpolkin
Date Posted: 04 Feb 2012 at 9:47am
|
That works for me. Two questions:
Can you provide directions or a Google link to the take out location?
Alternatively, I will be driving down from Kent so if anyone else is coming from this direction we could drive one rig south as long as we have someone else to run shuttle.
Looking forward to it.
If it would be better to talk through the details, my cell is 206-327-5373.
Greg
|
Posted By: theo
Date Posted: 04 Feb 2012 at 4:25pm
|
Hi Greg, From I-5, take exit 116. Go left, which puts you on Old Pacific Highway. When this dead ends (about 2 miles), go left on Highway 510. Shortly after going through the Nisqually Reservation, you'll see an unusual white brick fence on your left. The next road on your left is the road that goes to the City of Centralia power station (there's a sign saying this). Take this down to the parking lot by the river. See you tomorrow. Ted
|
Posted By: BRoss
Date Posted: 04 Feb 2012 at 4:39pm
Ted, I don't think we're going to make it by 9am, but we're planning on coming down. maybe we'll see you on the water. We're bringing a bike for shuttle if we don't catch up with you.
syotr,
Ben
-------------
"That boated a lot better than it looked." "It always does until it doesn't."
|
Posted By: theo
Date Posted: 04 Feb 2012 at 6:46pm
|
Do you know when you might be making it down? Maybe I can talk the others into waiting. Ted
|
Posted By: BRoss
Date Posted: 04 Feb 2012 at 8:17pm
We're shooting for 10
-------------
"That boated a lot better than it looked." "It always does until it doesn't."
|
Posted By: gpolkin
Date Posted: 04 Feb 2012 at 10:45pm
|
Ted I can do either 9 or 10. Just confirm what time you want to go with and I will be there. If I don't hear from you I will show up at 9 Greg 206-327-5373
|
Posted By: theo
Date Posted: 04 Feb 2012 at 10:50pm
|
As it turns out, the other folks who originally wanted to do this at 9 have been eavesdropping on PP, and they now say 10 is good for them. So, 10 it is. Ted
|
Posted By: gpolkin
Date Posted: 04 Feb 2012 at 11:06pm
Posted By: BRoss
Date Posted: 05 Feb 2012 at 7:27am
Cool, sounds good, see you guys at 10
-------------
"That boated a lot better than it looked." "It always does until it doesn't."
|
|