Gauge Description:

There is an old USGS gauging station (stn. 12041500, 1917-1980) with an intact staff gauge just below the confluence of the South Fork, North Fork, and mainstem. It's at mile 4.9 on Soleduck Hot Springs Road (between the put-in and take-out). Look for a six-car pullout on the west shoulder of the road and a small brown trail sign marking a hiking route on the east side of the road. Follow the more hidden trail to the gauge on the west side of the road, directly opposite the hiking trail, down to the concrete gauging tower on river right. The staff gauge plate is on the downstream side of the tower and the base of the ladder is at 3.4 feet. Look for flows around 4.0 feet (slightly lower or higher would still be OK). For those trying to assess the run from a remote location check the Hoh River gauge (look for it to be up above 4000). You'll get a visual peak at the level from a bridge over the North Fork just up the road from the gauge.