Green River Gorge
 
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| Put-in: |
Kanaskat-Palmer State Park |
| Take-out: |
Flaming Geyser State Park |
| Difficulty: |
Class IV
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| Length: |
12 miles (shorter runs possible) |
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The Green River is one of the most magnificent gorges in Washington State, and it has become one of the state’s most popular runs due to its proximity to Seattle. The scenery feels like a rain forest, with stands of first growth evergreens, moss and fern-covered grottos, and many tiny waterfalls cascading out of the walls of the canyon. This narrow, twisting canyon is often referred to as the “hanging gardens” and may soon be protected under the state’s Wild and Scenic River designation.
The river plunges 800 ft. to 200 ft. above sea level before emerging into a broad valley and flowing into Elliott Bay in Seattle. The rapids are winding and boulder choked, with 27 Class IIIs and four Class IV. This run is for solid Class III boaters only; many rapids come up so fast there is no time to scout them or talk about the best routes. Most paddlers choose to do both the upper and lower sections by starting at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park and floating down to Flaming Geyser State Park, but remember to pack a lunch for this fourteen-mile adventure.
The geological history is another fascinating element of the gorge. There is two miles of Eocene rocks and fossils exposed on the canyon walls. Boaters might be interested in spending a little more time exploring the take out as well. Most trips leave the river at Flaming Geyser State Park, which was named after the flame that burns on top of an abandoned gas well.
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