The put-in at BZ corner requires a carry of boats and gear down to the river. There is a nice rail system in place that makes it easy to transport both rafts and kayaks. About half way down the trail you can go left and this trail will take you to an eddy above the the first rapid. Continuing down on the rails will bring you right down to the first rapid called BZ Rapid. You can put in in the middle or at the bottom.
BZ rapid has two main holes, the first is called Maytag the second is called Top Drop. Shortly after BZ rapid is an undercut cave wall on river right. The river bends left here and it is easy to avoid the wall. At high water it is more difficult.
The White Salmon River contains fairly continuous class II-III whitewater throughout this run. There are a few more named class III-IV rapids like Corkscrew, Waterspout, and Stairsteps.
Husum Falls is the hardest rapid on the trip. Traditionally it has been rated class V however at lower summer flows the consequences diminish and it should be rated as more of a class IV rapid with the main obstacle being shallow rocky water just below the falls.
Husum Falls is a 10' waterfall just upstream from Husum Bridge. It can be scouted from the bridge and portaged on either the right or left side. At high water the hole at the bottom is sticky but at normal summer flows it is fairly flushy. The line in either a raft or kayak is to drive from left to right down the main channel and try to catch the flake of rock to the left side of the big boulder dividing the current. By doing this you will avoid hitting the meat of the hole.
You will pass under Husum Bridge and another bridge where many people jump into the river from. A short class III- rapid below the second bridge is called Spider. You can take out here. There is a turnout next to the river to park your vehicle. Wavy class II continues for a few more miles to Northwestern Lake. For a good class II run, paddlers can put in above or below Spider rapid and paddle down to Nortwestern Lake. |
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