| Difficulty | III-IV |
| Length | 13.8 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 42 fpm |
| Gauge | Chehalis River Near Doty, Wa |
| Flow Rate as of 18 minutes | 28 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | March 22, 2026 |
The Chehalis is a little off the beaten path as one of the few whitewater runs in the southwest corner of the state, but it serves up some great whitewater for a wide range of interests. River cruisers who want to get in a good workout can enjoy up to 15 miles of continuous whitewater, intermediate paddlers can find several fun sections with only a couple portages, experts can find a couple very challenging drops, and playboaters can find several fun features. Although the run is plenty of fun at lower levels the middle section moves a little slowly for some. The big drops provide added excitement at higher flows and this run has long been known as a place to check out after a good heavy rain. The scenery on the run can best be described as working forest, with clearcuts dominating the landscape. Despite that the geology is striking and with new riparian forest protection guidelines for the benefit of salmon, the forest along the river is recovering.
The run can be divided into six sections marked by the bridges that cross the river. The river forms at the confluence of the west and east forks, and from this point to the first bridge downstream the river flows at a lazy pace through continuous class II rapids. Unless you are paddling down from the East or West Fork or otherwise looking to add miles to your trip you might want to consider a put-in at the next bridge downstream (mile 9.1 bridge).
With the start of the second section the pace picks up with several class III ledge drops and fairly continuous action. The road will be to river right and closely follows the river here and the section ends as it crosses back to river left (mile 6.9 bridge).
Although the third section starts slowly you will recognize a change in the charcter of the river as you enter the first significant class III+ drop on the run. There are a couple great rapids before you reach the approach to Cape Horn and the entrance to the first gorge. This rapid, also known as Fi
...In Feb 2009 Lewis County PUD released a draft study for a water retention facility and hydropower project with a reservoir that would innundate a 9.6 mile portion of this run approximately to this point. Located at USGS river mile 117.9 mile. Various iterations of this proposed dam have continued to persist with more recent proposals considering an inundation zone that is downstream of this point.
This is a fun sequence of whitewater through a short gorge that is a distinct set of features at lower flows and a wild ride through powerful hyraulics at higher flows. It's an easy scout from the bedrock shelf on river left but don't over commit to the rapid before you are in a position to get out and take a look. The character changes considerably with flow. Located at USGS river mile 113.5.
In Feb 2009 Lewis County PUD released a draft study for a flood control dam and hydropower project that would innundate a 9.6 mile portion of this run. Various iterations of this proposed dam have continued to persist. The latest proposal is for a flood control dam with an outlet works at the base so the reservoir would fill during high water events and then slowly drain and allow the river to flow through the base of the dam during low water. The dam would be 270' high and 1550' long with an inundation zone extending 6.5 miles upstream. The facility would cause significant, unavoidable impacts to fish habitat, including inhibiting spring Chinook and steelhead trout, and would result in the permanent loss of recreational river access.
The first rapid that starts of the lower gorge, a great section of whitewater on the Chehalis River.
The Highway 6 bridges is located a mile marker 28. The access is a steep and muddy trail that begins on the upstream river left side of the bridge and continues to the water's end under the bridge.