New Play spot on the Elwha (Escape hole)
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=12325
Printed Date: 20 Sep 2025 at 5:22pm
Topic: New Play spot on the Elwha (Escape hole)
Posted By: apexskier
Subject: New Play spot on the Elwha (Escape hole)
Date Posted: 17 Jul 2012 at 10:01am
There's a new rapid on the Elwha River just above the highway 101 bridge that's formed as Lake Aldwell was lowered. I went out and surfed it for a while yesterday and it's pretty awesome.
There's an upper wave, that's a little narrow, but decently fast, and a hole right in the middle of the rapid that's awesome. It's got a great foam pile, and is good sized. It likes to move around a lot, and has a definite cycle of surges, but I never was flushed off while front surfing.
Both waves have good eddy access from both sides of the river, with the better eddy on the river right. There's a tree halfway across the river below the rapid, but it's not a real issue. When it's gone the river left eddy will be excellent.
I actually walked to the wave from Olympic Raft & Kayak, then walked back when I was done, so if you want to check it out, I'm sure Morgan (the new owner) would be more than happy to let people park there.
Overall, it's got the makings of a great park and play spot.
Here's some video - https://vimeo.com/45885964 - https://vimeo.com/45885964
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Replies:
Posted By: Sam_Graftton
Date Posted: 17 Jul 2012 at 3:33pm
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Sick Cameron! How long do you think it will be in?
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Posted By: brig
Date Posted: 17 Jul 2012 at 3:44pm
Wow, that looks good....and just over an hour from me....looks like after work play boating for me!
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Chris B.
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Posted By: apexskier
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2012 at 9:43pm
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It's likely that it'll change as more sediment comes down from the upper dam, but I don't think it'll go away soon. As for the lower water level, no idea, but it hasn't receded as the level's been dropping the last few days.
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