I am coming out to the Yakima area for business between May 23 to 28. I have never been to WA and would like to hit some water. What is within an hour or so from Yakima?...also where can I rent a boat and paddle? play park?...If I go alone I will hit a play park. If someone would care to take me on a class III/IV I would much appreciate it. I mostly paddle out east on the Ocoee, Tellico, Chattooga...etc.

Any help or advise is greatly appreciated.

kevindhuddleston at gmail.com

479.858.120Four

Thanks

Kevin

Well, Yakima isn't exactly the mecca for whitewater, but there are a few things to try out. The closest thing would be the Tieton but that is dam released in sept. The closest drainage to Yuckima is the Cispus/Cowlitz drainage. Unfortunately that drainage doesn't have all that much in the way of class III/IV, mostly V, but there are a few options that might be in while your here.

The most likely would be the Lower Cispus, it's a class III play run, that at the right flows is really nice, it doesn't usually have wood problems and is user friendly, tricky shuttle, but accessible. Yellow Jacket creek is a fairly continuous section of class IV+ creeking, really fun. There is also the upper cispus, it's III+ (IV) but historically has wood issues. Butter creek is Class III but there isn't much beta on that one. The American has some III-IV on it, but again is historically woody and there isn't much recent beta, but I hear it's a really pretty run.

North up in the Yakima drainage is the N. Frk. Teanaway which is III+.

I'd say your best bet would be to take extra time and drive up to the wenatchee drainage, the play run has lots of people running it on a weekend. I'm not sure, but I think that Leavenworth Mountain Sports has either rentals or demos if you come with your own gear. Also the Professor Paddle Ball is happening the 28th and 29th in Leavenworth and there will be lots of us there to get on the river with. Now that I think about it Leavenworth is going to be your best bet as long as your willing to travel more than an hour from Yuckima, so forget all the other runs I recommended. Up in the Wenatchee drainage is a class III+ classic called Peshastin Creek. So if you can stay till the 29th or 30th it might be well worth it. The Ball will have tons of boaters and plenty of water to paddle on, so bring your tent, gear, and beer to barter for shuttles with and you'll be getting on the water.

Good luck.

I second the recommendation for Leavenworth Mountain Sports.  They are good folks and will treat you well.

I will be in the Leavenwoth area during that time. Feel free to call: Darren 253 549 3945