Whitewater Forum: suiattle road reopening

suiattle road reopening

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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=14362
Printed Date: 13 Aug 2025 at 11:07pm

Topic: suiattle road reopening

Posted By: otterend
Subject: suiattle road reopening
Date Posted: 22 Oct 2014 at 5:11pm

http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/mbs/news-events/?cid=STELPRD3819780

The upper Suiattle road is re-opening later this month out near Darrington after what I understand is more than a decade of closure. I have no idea whether any boating is up there that now will be re-accessible. The River section of PP describes a 16 mile section of Class 3+ water on the Suiattle. That sounds good. But I'm not sure whether that section is what will be made available by the opening.

Comments?

Chris

Replies:

Posted By: Arrow6
Date Posted: 23 Oct 2014 at 4:40pm

That's pretty exciting. I can't comment on the paddling but I remember passing by and the signing read extreme danger...and I immediately wanted to check it out.

Posted By: The NZA
Date Posted: 24 Oct 2014 at 5:28pm

We took Alpacka's 10 miles past where the road was blocked a couple years ago. It's a beautiful stretch of river. It was mid-summer and not that high. At that level I would not call it 3+ but it did have a lot of class 3 wave trains and a whole lotta wood. But it was super splashy and fu, I with maybe one protage. I would imagine that it gets up to 3+ with more water, and I bet there is a lot more wood in play at that point as it the banks are lined with tons of logs. But it's a fun section, with great camping all along it. Would be a great self-support section.

Posted By: Mr.Grinch
Date Posted: 24 Oct 2014 at 6:38pm

I'd like to know more, sounds like fun!

Posted By: ThrowYaMittsUp
Date Posted: 24 Oct 2014 at 9:07pm

I too am excited about having access back to the end of the road, and I want to get up there as soon as I can.

I will be representing my business at the event in Darrington tomorrow, so I won't be able to do it then. I do plan on going Sunday though. I know there is good flows and lots of options this weekend, but if anybody want to come along that would be sweet!

This might go without saying, but the class III rating doesn't mean this is a good run for class III boaters. I'm planing for lots of log jumps and a few portages. I will be kayaking and getting an early start.

Let me know if you would like to join 248.505.1637

Thanks,
Brian

-------------
"Call on God, but row away from the rocks." ~H.S. Thompson

Posted By: flowtorch
Date Posted: 24 Oct 2014 at 11:45pm

Yo Brian, I'm into this. I live in Arlington/Marysville. Really need to get wet. Been way too long. I'll be checkin here tomorrow.

Posted By: otterend
Date Posted: 25 Oct 2014 at 6:52am

A fellow boater at WRRR provided me with insight on what looks like a big gain for us in Western Washington.

Based on Jeff Bennett’s report, The American Whitewater site describes the Suiattle as 20+ miles of Class 3+ water on a stretch that has been designated a Wild and Scenic River, with opportunities for overnight trips. Draining off the glaciers of Glacier Peak, the Suiattle runs later into the summer than most other Washington rivers.

Wood is the main cautionary note in the river description. I won't be able to get out there for a few weeks, but it would be great to develop some beta on what sounds like a re-emerging gem for the boating community.

Upper Suiattle:

http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/2243/

It connects with the lower Suiattle run:
http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/2244/

More background on the area at NWhikers.net if you search the forums.

Posted By: SPerillo
Date Posted: 25 Oct 2014 at 2:26pm

Psyched to here about this road opening up...I've always wanted to get up there. I live in Marysville and Wood ;) love some beta once someone checks it out. I'd like to take the cat boat out..👍

Posted By: Mr.Grinch
Date Posted: 01 Nov 2014 at 12:44pm

Let's make use of this tomorrow?
Anyone?

Posted By: Mr.Grinch
Date Posted: 01 Nov 2014 at 2:15pm

Originally posted by Mr.Grinch

Let's make use of this tomorrow?
Anyone?

Seems to be more interest in the Sauk from some friends, so......

Posted By: SPerillo
Date Posted: 01 Nov 2014 at 7:02pm

My brother and I may be upon the Sauk or suiattle tmrw. One cat boater and a kayaker...

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