| Difficulty | II-III(IV) |
| Length | 3.5 mi |
| Avg Gradient | n/a |
| Gauge | Trask River Above Cedar Creek, Near Tillamook, or |
| Flow Rate as of 1 hour | 110 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | July 17, 2026 |
A fun reach not far outside Tillamook with a number of class III rapids and a class IV at Dam Hole. Boat launches for drift boaters exist to avoid this section, these can be used by whitewater boaters as access points to paddle this stretch. The river starts off with a horseshoe bend, at the apex of the bend is a nice lunch spot then a rapid with a notable ledge hole on the right that can be engaged or avoided by staying left. Smaller rapids continue until a rapid with brush blocking visibility, there is some fun water against the left wall that can be avoided or challenged. The next rapid is Dam Hole, the biggest on the run (class IV). The rapid can be scouted on the drive up (45.456197180775426, -123.68084005681564), then again from river-level on either side. The portage would be on the right, and laps can be had by walking up the same side. Dam Hole funnels into a narrow chute on the left that can produce powerful hydraulics, with the crux changing based on flow.
Not too long after dam hole is a nice section of river with a smooth wall on river-left, with boulders to dodge in the river. Pool and drop class II and III rapids continue to the take out, a boat ramp with stairs.
Rafts should aim for 2,000-4,000 cfs for a first time run, kayaks will find there is enough water for a good time at 1,000 cfs.
The put in is a dirt spur off the main paved shuttle road and has a small sign indicating the 'boat launch'.
Dam hole rapid. This rapid can be scouted on the drive up, then again from river level on either side. At low and moderate flows the water all funnels left into a low gradient, but narrow, powerful chute that empties into a big pool.
The take out is at Nip's landing boat slide. The ramp was designed for drift boaters to lower their boats down using their vehicles. Kayakers can walk up the steps, rafters can shlep their boats up the ramp or pull them up using their vehicles. Be aware that the vehicle area is small so there are traffic concerns with the vehicle pulling approach.