National Rivers, Rivers of Washington: Overview of Washington whitewater, Washington paddling, Washington canoeing, Washington kayaking, Washington rafting, Washington fly-fishing, Washington river conservation, Washington river law, and Washington river access.

The National Rivers Website, Rivers of Washington:

Overview of rivers in Washington state

When most people think of Washington state, they think of cold, drizzly weather and copious amounts of steaming coffee, but there's another side to the chill of Seattle.

On the other side of the state, east of the Cascade mountains, is a warm and arid semidesert that offers whitewater adventures on rivers that tumble out of the mountains. The Wenatchee is best paddled by those with some boating experience, since the rapids can rate as high as class III-IV.

The Spokane River has a more sedate pace and is a relatively short distance from Spokane itself. Its more difficult sections rarely rise about class II, making it a good training ground for paddlers still working on their techniques.

The western slope does have its share of fun stuff to run, despite its more intemperate coastal climate. Hardcore adventurers should check out the Sauk River, parts of which get a V+ rating in high water. The Sauk requires a real committment from river runners, but the right crew will find its challenges rewarding.

Families should take a look at the Skagit, inside North Cascades National Park, for a class II-III river that offers enough waves and wildlife to keep the kids interested without seriously testing their swimming skills.

Then for variety, there's the whole wide Pacific Ocean to explore. The San Juan Islands are a popular touring area for sea kayakers, or go international and head for Canada's Vancouver Island.

The National Rivers Website and the Rivers of Washington section are made possible by the generosity of the members of the National Organization for Rivers (NORS.) To start or extend your membership, go to NORS Memberships.

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The National Organization for Rivers (NORS)
Membership Offices:
212 West Cheyenne Mountain
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
(719) 579-8759. Fax (719) 576-6238.
nors@rmi.net

The National Rivers Website is part of Adventure Sports Online.