Ran Hagen for my first time on Sunday.  The gauge was reading about 7.5’ on the Washugal when we put in and 7.8’ when we took off.  Definitely could have used a little more water, but all the major drops were good to go.  After hiking in we got to what I estimate is the “normal” put in.  I would advise to walk down another 50 to 100 yards or so to get past a little drop that has wood going across it.  We made it through just fine, but it really was an unnecessary risk.  The portage around the big log jam was relatively easy and the gorge was primarily wood free, with the exception of some easily avoidable pieces here and there.  Most of the wood you’ve seen in prior trip reports, video, etc.  are still there.

This is an absolutely beautiful river with some high quality drops.  While boating in between the larger rapids, you’re constantly entertained by ledges, scenery, and some narrow twisty rapids. 

The first named drop that I recall is Hagen Daaz Falls.  There’s a hole in the center of the falls which I heard has swallowed up some boaters, but never retained anyone.  We ran right of the hole and landed softly in the pool below.  After some more fun ledges and bends in the river we came up on Euphoria Falls. 

I had seen this drop in pictures and video before, but in person (and seeing it for the first time) it looked much bigger!  We scouted the drop and worked out the line.  Everyone had very good lines.  I did get a little nervous when I thought I was going to go over the rooster tail, but a little correction kept me to the left and I bounced down and caught the eddy before the final drop.  The final drop of Euphoria is great. 

Next up was Teakettle Falls.  There’s a fun lead in that is best run on the right.  After the lead in you want to work your way to river left to run the big drop which has a hole at the bottom that is backed up by, what appeared to me, as a rock shelf.  I got hung up on something while trying to make it to the left and then another seam caught me and killed all my speed/momentum.  Let’s just say it’s not fun to drop in there sideways with your wrong edge down and have your jaw take most of the impact.  Here’s a good plug for the full face helmet, they work well, and I have no doubt that things would have been much worse without it.  However, if I would have made my line I wouldn’t have had that issue in the first place!

After a few more fun drops we got to the final falls.  What an impressive rapid.  Although we all portaged it that day, I can see the appeal of the drop and I’m sure I’ll run it at some point.  The seal drop back into the river was fun and then we continued on down to the takeout spending a good amount of time on a set of surf-waves with eddy service….right by the Green house on river left.

After that there is one more small drop before the takeout bridge.

All in all I can’t wait to get back on the run.  It’s different than a lot of things that I’ve run out here and I can’t wait to have a better line on Teakettle Falls.  It’s fun to get on new stuff!