Trout Creek
FR 43 to Wind River
| Difficulty | IV-V |
| Length | 8.5 mi |
| Avg Gradient | n/a |
| Gauge | Wind R. @ Stabler |
| Flow Rate as of 2 hours | 95 cfs |
| Reach Info Last Updated | March 13, 2024 |
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
A high quality creek in the Columbia Gorge that builds in intensity to fun class V boulder garden rapids. It can be tricky to catch as snow can limit access during the winter rainy season when it runs.
Paddlers also put in at the former Hemlock Dam site for a two mile run that continues on the Upper Wind.
For additional information see the Trout Creek description on Rackley's Oregon Kayaking site.
River Features
Forest Road 43 Put-In Bridge
Access for Trout Creek at the bridge.
Hemlock Dam Site Access
Access is on river left on the upstream side of the bridge at the former Hemlock Dam site. This can serve as a take-out for the Trout Creek run or a put-in that provides a short run on a segment of Trout Creek that continues on down the Upper Wind.
Hood River Confluence
This is the location where Trout Creek joins the Wind River. No access is available at this location but boaters can continue on to run the Upper Wind.
Trip Reports
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Trout Creek Trip that Continued on to the Wind River - Thomas O'Keefe
Jan 9, 2015
A trip that began on Trout Creek, launching from the former Hemlock Dam site, and continuing on the Wind River.
Wood Hazard - Carter Wray
Apr 2, 2012
The tree in the last drop before the confluence has shifted, so the drop is now runnable. At high flows can go right over the ledge above it, and at lower flows you can probably run the left closer to the tree and then cut right just above it.
Hemlock Dam Site Tour - Thomas O'Keefe
May 19, 2010
Site tour of the Hemlock Dam site with the River Management Society.
Hemlock Dam Removal Site Tour - Thomas O'Keefe
Aug 11, 2009
Site tour of Hemlock Dam removal with the Hydropower Reform Coalition.
Hemlock Dam - Thomas O'Keefe
Nov 9, 2007
Hemlock Dam was constructed in 1935 to generate hydropower for the USFS Wind River Ranger District. The dam was later used for irrigation water for the Wind River Nursery. The Gifford Pinchot National Forest proposes to remove Hemlock Dam, and to restore the Trout Creek channel in the area that is now occupied by the dam and reservoir. Trout Creek supports Lower Columbia River Steelhead that were listed as Threatened in 1998 and the proposed action will improve upstream and downstream fish passage. In addition navigational passage will be restored.
