Sitkum, WA

Sitkum River gorge

Sitkum River gorge
Photo of Chris Arnold by Thomas O'Keefe © taken 2007-11-23 @ 720 cfs, Calawah nr.

River Description

SEASON: Winter rains. November to May.

FUN FACT: Scenic canyon with whitewater options for most ability levels.

ACCESS:

TAKEOUT: About a mile north of Forks, Forest Road 29 leaves highway 101 at mile 193.3 and heads east. Follow FR 29 along the Calawah 8.0 miles to the Hyas Creek bridge. The takeout is at the Hyas Creek confluence with the South Fork Calawah. There is a short road downstream river right of the confluence.

PUT-IN: During summer 2002, washouts on FR 29 that prevented vehicle access for nearly 4 years were repaired, but the landslide-prone slopes of this drainage will lead to future road failures so be sure to check current road conditions. From the take-out continue upstream to a couple different access points depending on what you're looking for. The first landmark is FR 2923 which splits off the left at mile 8.8. Continue on the right fork and at mile 11.1 you'll see the 070 spur which heads down to the right and a bridge across the river. For those who want to boat only the lower class II/III section, you can scramble down the downstream river right side of the bridge across the Sitkum (bring rope for this one). The next potential access for those who want to add some class IV rapids, is reached by continuing upstream on FR 29. You will parrallel Rainbow Creek and cross it at mile 12.1 and then the North Fork at mile 13.9. Continuing on there is a small pull-out at mile 14.3. A well-marked trail leads from this point down towards the right and the confluence of the North Fork. It's steep at the end and you may find a rope helpful for lowering the boats. An alternative shorter route (unmarked) is available by heading off towards the left (this is the access illustrated in Korb's guidebook). It too requires rope to lower the boats down. Either way don't expect the put-in to be particularly user friendly. If you're interested in also running some class V drops, stay on FR 29 to mile 17.6 and the bridge across Brandeberry Creek. You can see the confluence with the Sitkum from this bridge and there is access to the river on the downstream river right side of the confluence.

For current information on roads check the Olympic National Forest web site (check rec reports for Pacific Ranger District - North), or call the USFS/NPS Resource Information Center in Forks 360-374-7566 or the USFS Ranger District office in Forks (360)374-6522.

DESCRIPTION:

The Sitkum can be divided into four sections on its way to the confluence with the South Fork Calawah: a class III section, a class V section, a class IV section, and a class II/III section. In theory you could run all of these together but it would make for a long day.

Upper Upper Sitkum, 2-3 miles

There are unconfirmed reports of fun class III upstream of Brandeberry Creek. Post a comment if you check it out.

Upper Sitkum, 3.5 miles

The run starts out at Brandeberry Creek with about 3.5 miles of intermittent class V creek action, a couple of which you may want to portage. Korb notes numerous undercuts, potholes and pinning opportunities in his description of the run, but it is a great run for experienced creek boaters and all the drops can be run if they're clean.

The river starts off with some fun drops before you reach Severe Reality a challenging class V section that can be portaged if you want. The river opens up a bit providing some more fun rapids before you reach the entrance to a gorge and Claustrophobia. Within a few more drops you'll be at the Boulder Factory which is a half mile section that starts with The Big Ugly. The rapids taper off a bit as you pass through a scenic canyon section upstream of the North Fork confluence.

Middle Sitkum, 3 miles

An entry point to the canyon just upstream from the North Fork Sitkum confluence marks the start of the intermediate 6 mile run which typically includes the middle and lower sections. From here the river flows through class II and III rapids until you reach a canyon section lined with bedrock walls and marked by a distinct horizon line. This is the start of a fun class IV section through a beautiful little gorge (less than a mile). The first major drop is Little Pistol. The river carves its way through some fun IV- rapids, but you have plenty of time to get ready for the next major rapid, Cotton Candy which comes near the end of this section. Cotton Candy is class IV as the river drops over a 7 foot ledge into a big pool.

Lower Sitkum, 3 miles

After the class IV gorge, the river calms down to more class II/III action. Once you reach the bridge, the best rapids are over but the river continues its scenic course through the canyon. While paddlers looking for a scenic float without the action of the upstream reaches can put in here, the steep climb to the road makes this a very unappealing takeout. Most continue on downstream to Hyas Creek. Over the next 3 miles or so the river cuts through several class II rapids and finally one last III- rapid just beyond the confluence with the South Fork Calawah. Those who put-in at the bridge may want to continue on downstream on the South Fork Calawah to the confluence with the North Fork Calawah, but those who put-in higher will likely be ready to take advantage of the easy road access at the Hyas Creek confluence.