Washougal
3 - Dougan Falls to Salmon Falls (Gorge Section)
| Difficulty | III-IV |
| Length | 6.3 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 43 fpm |
| Gauge | Washougal R. @ Hathaway Park |
| Flow Rate as of 1 hour | 219 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | November 15, 2020 |
Projects
Washington’s legendary volcanoes – Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Adams – are the source of wild, free-flowing rivers and streams that cascade over big drops and through deep basalt canyons on their way to the Columbia River. Rivers like the Clear Fork of the Cowlitz, Cispus, Green, [...]Read More
River Description
Pool-drop run in a forested valley that can be enjoyed during the rainy season. Note that several sections of the run go through private property. The historic take-out above Salmon Falls, less than a mile below The Gorge, is private property so you will need to find other options.
River Features
Put In
Salmon Falls
The state owns the fish ladder but the property surrounding it is private and the owners have asked paddlers not to take-out here.
Take Out
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportThere is fish habitat wood in the section from the put-in to the fish hatchery. The logs are often river-wide but anchored to the bottom of the river so present as small ledges rather than strainers. At medium and low flows the logs don't create too many issues but could develop dangerous hydraulics at higher flows. We ran the first fish hathery weir on the right and left. Right seemed a bit smoother at these flows. The second weir at the bottom of the hatchery doesn't have a dangerous hydraulic at the bottom and can be run almost anywhere.
We used the take-out at Salmon Falls and while still posted as private, we stayed on the access road for the fish ladder. We weren't bothered either time recently. The property has changed ownership since the previous reports of conflict but don't know the current status of access.
From: Dale Wamhoff
Sent: Fri 17-Nov-06 10:24 AM
To: Carla Miner
Subject: salmon falls washougal river
dear whitewater salmon falls is posted no tresspassing.the state owens the fish ladder not the property around it.the motor home should tell ya something.the owners will call the sheriff and press charges.please let your group know that tresspassing will not be tolerated.and take salmon falls off your web site,it is private property!lona keist pays the taxes.
Realtime DOE gauge: https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/wrx/wrx/flows/station.asp?sta=28B080