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Green, WA

1 - Headworks to Kanaskat-Palmer State Park

Class II+(III)

3.5 Miles

Avg Gradient 26 fpm

Railroad Bridge Drop

Railroad Bridge Drop
Photo by Thomas O'Keefe taken 10APR1999 @ 633 cfs

Gauge Information

Green

1 - Headworks to Kanaskat-Palmer State Park II+(III)

low

560

10/11 10:00

[detail]

Min Sug. Level:

1000 cfs

Max Sug. Level:

3000 cfs

River Description

EVENTS: The annaul Green River Cleanup takes place in spring every year and is coordinated by Washington Recreational River Runners and Friends of the Green River.

FUN FACT: Good beginner run close to Seattle.

SEASON: October to May after heavy winter rains. The best flows often come in fall or spring.

LOGISTICS: If it's your first time, a map is helpful to make sense of the roads here. In Summit, at the junction of Maple Valley - Black Diamond Road (Highway 169) and Kent-Kangley Road (Highway 516), head east towards Georgetown on Kent-Kangley Road. In approximately 3 miles, turn off to the south on Lake Retreat-Kanaskat Road. In another 3 miles turn on to Cumberland -Kanaskat Road to the right up over the railroad tracks, and then cross the bridge over the Green River. Follow the road as it turns to the west (headed downstream) a short distance to the turn-off into Kanaskat-Palmer State Park. Once you've entered the park head toward the right and a parking area with a short path that leads to the river. A large sign board warning of dangerous rapids downstream (the class IV gorge run) marks the takeout on the river. Those who want to run a couple more good class III rapids can use an alternative take-out in the park (head left instead of right as you approach the river). To reach the put-in, head back out the park and drive upstream along river left. Just before you reach the bridge you crossed on your way in, you will see a turn-off for Headwords Road which parrallels the river. Follow this road upstream approximately 2 miles to a put-in.

DESCRIPTION:

This is a good run for beginners led by a more experienced paddler. As with other dam release runs in the region, extensive brush along the banks becomes an annoyance during rescue situations. Most of the rapids are class II with the exception of Railroad Bridge, a ledge marked by a distinct horizon line after you float beneath the railroad bridge. There are several good eddy lines to practice boat handling skills.

Paddlers in the region should note that the increasing demands of urban growth and endangered salmon come before paddlers on this river (see King County's Green River Watershed site for the latest information), but after a day or two of intense winter rains you are nearly always guaranteed to find this run with water.

An important consideration on this run is finding out when the water will be flowing. Although discharge from the dam often remains constant through the weekend, the engineers do sometimes adjust flows over the weekend at high flows of most interest to boaters. Check the online outlook report (usually updated 3 times a week but not always) and check the Army Corps of Engineers gauge which shows reservoir height along with inflow and outflow.

StreamTeam Status: verified

Last Updated: 2004-10-23 16:05:40

Documents

Green River Gorge State Park Area Management Plan
Washington State Parks Management Plan for the Green River Gorge (Draft).
Green River Headworks Access Letter 17SEP2007
Letter from Tacoma Water to Friends of the Green outlining access guidelines for Headworks put-in for the Green River.
Access Map for Green Headworks
Map illustrating access to the put-in for the Green River Headworks.
Corps of Engineers, Policy Issue No. 216: Releases for Whitewater Rafting
Policy memo regarding decision on adjustments in project releases to accommodate whitewater rafting and/or canoeing.