[Pine]

And with good boat trailer access?

 

[Big_B]

Wind river gentlemens boating club on facebook. Probably get some answers there. The wind festival is this weekend too I think.

 

[zcollier]

Yes the Upper Wind is a classic for rafts. The take-out changed making turning a trailer around more difficult but it can be done.

"Too low" on the Upper Wind depends on your ability and tolerance for rocks. If you have the technical skills it can be run down to 4.2 feet and possibly lower.

 

[ColoRobo]

Yes the Upper Wind is a classic for rafts. The take-out changed making turning a trailer around more difficult but it can be done.

"Too low" on the Upper Wind depends on your ability and tolerance for rocks. If you have the technical skills it can be run down to 4.2 feet and possibly lower.

Zach, what maximum size oar raft would you say is appropriate for that section?

 

[Pine]

Yes the Upper Wind is a classic for rafts. The take-out changed making turning a trailer around more difficult but it can be done.

"Too low" on the Upper Wind depends on your ability and tolerance for rocks. If you have the technical skills it can be run down to 4.2 feet and possibly lower.

Thanks, Zach. I'm picking up my new 16' raft in Hood River this weekend. Any other local runs you'd recommend that have good boat trailer access? There will only be two of us, so we need good access options, and would like something in the III+ to IV- range, since we'll be a single boat trip.

 

[cadster]

Thanks, Zach. I'm picking up my new 16' raft in Hood River this weekend. Any other local runs you'd recommend that have good boat trailer access? There will only be two of us, so we need good access options, and would like something in the III+ to IV- range, since we'll be a single boat trip.

Deschutes

 

[BenSlaughter]

Deschutes

I love the Deschutes, and March can be great. Going to be sunny and in the 50's-60's this weekend in Maupin. Too cold for MY blood...

 

[cadster]

Deschutes and Mckenzie last month:

 

[BenSlaughter]

Deschutes and Mckenzie last month:

Didn't even run the meat in Oak Springs?
Sissie!! 😉

That's the only rapid that's ever flipped me...
I wouldn't wanna do it in February. Although the water ain't much warmer in July.

It's a gnarly place to swim!

 

[cadster]

She did win a drysuit with the video.

 

[cadster]

Dated, but still wouldn't do Maupin on a summer weekend:

 

[Pine]

Dated, but still wouldn't do Maupin on a summer weekend:

Holy shit! What a zoo.

 

[zcollier]

Zach, what maximum size oar raft would you say is appropriate for that section?

It depends on your skill level and the flow

 

[zcollier]

Thanks, Zach. I'm picking up my new 16' raft in Hood River this weekend. Any other local runs you'd recommend that have good boat trailer access? There will only be two of us, so we need good access options, and would like something in the III+ to IV- range, since we'll be a single boat trip.

There really isn't much good boating here that has good trailer access. We spend a lot of time lowering boats on ropes and carrying boats up hills. For trailer access check out Idaho.

 

[cadster]

There is trailer access to Klickitat. The lowest stretch before the Narrows could be doable, but low. A lot lower than this:

 

[Pine]

There really isn't much good boating here that has good trailer access. We spend a lot of time lowering boats on ropes and carrying boats up hills. For trailer access check out Idaho.

If the access gets that cumbersome, I usually just bring my kayak instead.

I don't think raft access is any easier here in Idaho. None of the sections of the Payette or the Lochsa have easy access.

 

[zcollier]

If the access gets that cumbersome, I usually just bring my kayak instead.

I don't think raft access is any easier here in Idaho. None of the sections of the Payette or the Lochsa have easy access.

The access for Class III+ and harder stuff in the Columbia Gorge is definitely more kayak friendly. The Wind is really fun to row but there is some carrying involved at both put-in and take-out.

 

[cadster]

The Washougal also has decent trailer access.

 

[cadster]

It's even flowing at a recommended level, but maybe not for a 16' raft: Washougal River Rafting & Kayaking | Whitewater Guidebook