Chiwawa, WA

Surfer's Corner

Surfer's Corner
Photo of Chris Wittenfeld by Thomas O'Keefe © taken 2008-06-15

Gauge Information

River Description

The Chiwawa is a great intermediate run through the Wenatchee National Forest with continuous class II and III rapids over most of its length. At intermediate flows there are plenty of great surf spots. Wood is in play on this run and you can expect to have logs that extend into the channel. The river is generally wide enough that you can find your way around but in some years there have been trees across the channel that required a portage so be alert. The other issue to be aware of is the dense riverside vegetation. At spring flows the alder trees extend into the river and the banks are generally very brushy.
 

For those who want a shorter run of the best whitewater you can run just the first 6 miles and take out at the Forest Road bridge. If you have more time it's worth continuing downstream another 4.6 miles. The first couple miles of the lower section continue at the same pace as above with some great surf spots. The action then begins to taper off and you encounter a number of cabins as you approach the Chiwawa Loop Road Bridge.