Beckler

The Beckler River is often overlooked with fewer rapids to keep advanced boaters entertained but some hazards that can cause trouble for beginners. Most of the excitement is just below the put-in and at the FR 65 bridge. In between there are less demanding rapids.

As you're driving to the put-in, check out the rapids near the FR 65 bridge (FR 65 mile 1) as they will give you a good idea of the skills you will need for this run. Few of the rapids provide class III fun although they often require class III skills to stay out of trouble.

If the quality of the whitewater is secondary and your main emphasis is to get out on a river you haven't seen before then the Beckler River valley is a fun place to visit. Good dispersed camping is available along the Beckler and Rapid Rivers. If you're looking for more of a challenge consider the Rapid River which joins the Beckler at the put-in.

The typical season for the Beckler is during fall rains or spring snowmelt. It can be snowed in during the coldest winter months. There are reports that this river can be fun when the Skykomish is in flood stage. Scout carefully and make your own judgement.

Access: Put in at the confluence with the Rapid. East of the town of Skykomish, take FR 65 north up the Beckler Valley (the turnoff is at mile 49.6 on Highway 2). The put-in is at FR 65 mile 6.9 where the Rapid flows into the Beckler. There is a bridge across the Rapid River here and space for parking.

Take out at the Highway 2 bridge east of the town of Skykomish where the Beckler and Tye come together to form the South Fork Skykomish. This bridge (Highway 2 mile 49.8) is east of the turnoff for FR 65. You can find parking on the upstream river left side of the bridge. Alternatively you can shorten the run by taking out anywhere along FR 65 where the road meets the river.

for additional information see, Bennett, J. and T. Bennett. 1997. A guide to the whitewater rivers of Washington, second edition.

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