| Methow — 3. McFarland Creek to Pateros (Black Canyon)™ © |
Class III
16Miles
Play Rating (1-10): 5
River Mapplet
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GPS/GIS |
Maps |
| Put In Longitude : |
-120.057 |
Putin |
| Put In Latitude : |
48.1508 |
| Take Out Longitude : |
-119.915 |
Take Out |
| Take Out Latitude : |
48.0462 |
| County : |
Okanogan |
Shuttle
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Gauge Information (Professor Paddle updated levels from METHOW RIVER NEAR PATEROS, WA at 5/1/2025 1:25:47 AM)
| Gauge |
Forecast |
Height |
Current Flow |
Authority |
Physical Update |
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METHOW RIVER NEAR PATEROS, WA
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NWRFC | FC Page |
5.63 |
5080 cfs
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USGS - NWIS |
2025-05-01 00:15:00 |
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Minimum Recomended Level: 1000 cfs Maximum Recomended Level: 10000 cfs
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AccessHwy 153 parallels the river allowing multiple access points.
There is a popular "middle" access spot where Burma road turns off the highway onto a bridge over the river. This spot cuts the run in half and is a good takeout for those wanting an easier run or put-in for those just wanting to get to the bigger stuff in the lower half. |
Putin DetailsMcFarland Creek river access. This is a well maintained access spot run by WA Fish & Wildlife. You'll need a pass to park here. To reach this put-in head upstream from the takeout, and it is just past the 5th bridge you'll cross over the river. |
Takeout DetailsAbout 1/2 mile upstream from the confluence with the Columbia there are a couple big turnouts with easy river access the GPS data indicates the lower turnout which is quite large. There's a smaller one a bit farther upstream which cuts out a bit of flat water paddling at the end but it's on the inside channel of an island so make sure you keep to the right so you don't miss it. |
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Fun FactsA fun alternative to the Wenatchee with similar rapids in a more remote location. Beautiful eastern Washington scenery. |
Run Description [Season: Snowmelt (April-July)]The Methow is a big river, just a bit smaller than the Wenatchee with boulder gardens at low water and big waves at high water. The upper half of this run has more flatwater and the rapids are mostly class 2 at medium levels. The lower half is a bit more continuous and has several fun class 3 rapids. Black Canyon rapids (III+) is a standout rapid in the lower section. You can scout it from the Hwy just past Black Canyon road. A big hole forms on the left at high water. Another rapid of note is a mile or so downstream. You can recognize it from a footbridge overhead... or by the giant rock right in the middle of the river. At low water the rock is showing, but at high water it creates a HUGE hole capable of major beatdowns. As long as you're paying attention it's easy to miss by staying left (and there's a more sporty line to the right too).
There's some good play on this run, but it's mostly catch on the fly. The Methow is run often at levels higher than the recommended range, but the difficulty increases as some big hydraulics form and the river becomes very fast and continuous.
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