Nooksack, N. Fork

Glaciers on the slopes of Mt. Baker keep this run flowing from late spring to early fall. The river provides year around paddling opportunities and is often a good run in late summer or early fall when other runs are too low. Paddlers should note however that with the 2000 paddling season, the Forest Service initiated management actions for salmon that affect paddler use of the river. The Nooksack River is an important river for Chinook salmon which are protected under the Endangered Species Act. These fish are particularly vulnerable when spawning (August thru September). American Whitewater has developed the following guidelines with the US Forest Service for recreational activities on the North Fork Nooksack for the protection of these fish:

1. Avoid recreational activities that include contact access on the water (e.g. paddling, fishing, wading) from August 15th to October 15th. During this period of low water, which occurs during the Chinook spawning period, fish are particularly vulnerable to disturbance from boats that pass overhead or individuals wading in the river. An exception is allowed at higher flows above 1000 cfs (as measured by the USGS gauge).

2. Following the completion of spawning in mid October, eggs in gravel are vulnerable through the end of March. Do not get out of your boat or wade in the river in areas where the substrate is smaller than the size of a grapefruit as you could crush eggs by walking in areas with gravel.

By following these voluntary guidelines we can protect fish and provide recreational opportunities. By demonstrating cooperation with these guidelines we can avoid mandatory river closures and retain this more flexible alternative.

This run is characterized by several class III rapids formed by bedrock features and boulders through a nice canyon section. This canyon starts just downstream of the Douglas Fir Campground. As you reach Glacier Creek approximately 1.5 miles into the r

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