Cispus
4 - Road 28 Bridge to Scanewa Reservoir (The Lower)
| Difficulty | III |
| Length | 15.6 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 24 fpm |
| Gauge | Cispus River Ab Yellowjacket Creek Near Randle, Wa |
| Flow Rate as of 36 minutes | 615 cfsII-IIIlow runnable |
| Reach Info Last Updated | June 9, 2026 |
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
In 1986 FERC issued a license to Lewis County PUD to construct a new hydropower project at the site of Cowlitz Falls at the confluence where the Cispus River joins the Cowlitz River. The Cispus has a history of recreational use dating back to at least the early 1950’s [...]Read More
River Description
With nearly 30 miles of continuous intermediate whitewater, the Cispus provides opportunities for one of the longest whitewater trips in the state. By combining this section with the Upper Cispus you'll find opportunities for overnight excursions through the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Braided channels with wood hazards upstream of the Forest Road 28 bridge however keep most from embarking on such an adventure. Paddlers typically divide the lower run which starts at the Forest Road 28 Bridge into two sections separated by the Twin Cedars access point located just upstream of the confluence with Iron Creek.
*Forest Road 28 to Twin Cedars*
Starting from the Forest Road 28 bridge (river mile 17.5), the run starts with some braided channels and shifting gravel bars. Most of the whitewater in this section is class II, but beware of wood hazards particularly in the first 1/4 mile below the bridge where engineered log jams have been installed. For the next couple miles the river cuts a dynamic channel under the shadown of Tower Rock that looms overhead. There are some expansive gravel bars that would make fine camping for an overnight trip on this reach. You will encounter some private property along river left but evidence of it from the river is fairly limited. Once you enter the National Forest the river tightens, while still remaining class II, and you are treated to the scenic beauty of the temperate rainforest with massive trees that line the banks.
*Twin Cedars to Scanwea Reservoir*
The second half of the run contains the interesting rapids, several of which rate class III, and starts about a mile upstream of the Iron Creek Campground. You can put-in here at the Twin Cedars access (river mile 9.2), a small pull-out with a twin pair of majestic cedar trees along the river bank and a couple larger pull-outs immediately upstream. The great thing about this section is all the rapids have relatively straightforward lines that m
...River Features
Forest Road 28 Bridge Put-In
The Forest Road 28 Bridge serves as the upper put-in for the full run. The best access is on river right on the upstream side of the bridge where you can walk down the concrete 'ramp' that embeds the fish chute. Just be sure not to park right in front of the fish chute to ensure access is available for the fish truck.
Twin Cedars put-in
Twin Cedars is an intermediate access point that is a common starting point for many trips. The best rapids start from this access point with the Iron Creek Rapids just downstream. The access is recognized by two tall cedar trees. At one time a gravel bar between the trees provided good access. Currently better access is available 100 yards upstream at a cleared area on either side of a culvert. These cleared areas provide good options for parking but are sometimes used for dispersed camping. Located at USGS River Mile 9.2.
First Iron Creek Rapid
This rapid is a short distance downstream of the Twin Cedars access point. It is generally run right of center down the main flow. Located at USGS River Mile 8.8.
Second Iron Creek Rapid
A rapid with options to take either the left or right channel. The left channel is often a little easier to boat scout and the right channel has been known to collect wood hazards. Located at USGS River Mile 8.6.
Let's Make a Deal
An easy line to the right or a more technical line to the left. USGS River Mile 7.6.
Rollercoaster
The rapid just upstream of the Huffacker Bridge. The main current flows around to the right side of the channel. Be prepared for the hit in the wave at the end of this rapid. Located at USGS River Mile 7.2.
Huffacker Bridge
Upstream of this bridge is Forest Service land and downstream is private timber company land. Located at USGS River Mile 7.1.
Unnamed Rapid
Easy class II from Huffacker Bridge down to Paul's Play Pen with some surf on the way. At 3500cfs a green glassy wave with a nice breaking pocket develops about 100 yards above Paul's Playpen. The wave has eddy service from the right. Located at USGS River Mile 6.6.
Paul's Play Pen
The main wave is on river right with a generous eddy on river left. A secondary wave forms just downstream of the first one. It is common for trips to stop at this rapid and spend some time surfing. Located at USGS River Mile 6.4.
Whirlpool Corner
Whirlpool Corner was the site of the proposed Cispus 4 Hydroelectric Project. This has been known as a fun rapid for squirt boating. Located at USGS River Mile 6.3.
Agitator
Shortly after going around the corner to the left after Whirpool the river drops into Agitator which is run center left. Located at USGS River Mile 6.2.
Elk Rapid
Routes to the right or left around an island. Located at USGS River Mile 5.9.
Lion's Jaw
Beware of the Lion's Jaw, a hole at the bottom of the rapid on center right. It builds in intensity as the flow increases particularly at flows above 2000cfs. Located at USGS River Mile 5.6.
Bobcat Rapid
A bedrock ledge splits the flow providing options to the right or left. You can take the straight shot down the left or take the slightly more technical line around the right. Located at River Mile 5.4.
Unnamed Rapid
An easy class II down the right side. Located at USGS River Mile 4.6.
Crystal Creek Bridge
This bridge serves as an alternate access point. Access is available on downstream river left. USGS River Mile 4.5.
Double Trouble
The last major rapid before the river settles out into the slackwater of the reservoir and one of the longest rapids on the run. Located at USGS River Mile 2.3.
Scanwea Reservoir Copper Creek Take-Out
A license requirement from the 1984 license directed Lewis County PUD to construct a recreational site at the head of the reservoir to serve whitewater boaters. In 2007 the PUD opened a rudimentary site but only a few scheduled weekends. After years of delay the PUD finally completed the site and it was fully opened to the public in 2023. While the site is on PUD property, accessing the site requires driving through Port Blakely lands which they can gate and close which typically only happens during extreme fire danger. The access is located on river left just downstream of where Copper Creek joins the reservoir. The site has a large parking area, porta-potties, a gravel ramp that is accessible for rafts, and a picnic shelter. It is located at USGS River Mile 1.0.
Trip Reports
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Full Run from Forest Road 28 Bridge to Scanwea Reservoir - 590 cfs - Thomas O'Keefe
Jun 9, 2026
Despite the low flow we found we had plenty of water to enjoy a good day on the water. Tom O'Keefe and Tim Palmer started from the Forest Road 28 Bridge and we linked up with Michael Deckert and Paul Butler at Twin Cedars who joined us for the second half of the run.
Launching from the Forest Road 28 Bridge we had enough water to enjoy this incredibly scenic section of river that passes under Tower Rock and through impressive forested stands as you enter the National Forest. We encountered a some wood in play, particularly with the engineered log jams in the first 1/4 mile below the bridge. All of it was navigable although there were a couple spots where the moves were tight. In these locations a short carry around was an option. Several of the gravel bars were inviting campsites and one could imagine a launching in the late afternoon to a camp a mile or two downstream of the bridge. It took us about two hours to reach the Twin Cedars access where Paul and Michael were waiting.
The run down from Twin Cedars has more distinct rapids. At this flow everything was navigable with plenty of water. We even found a couple spots to surf. Not much was in at Paul's Play Pen and we continued on down to Bobcat as our lunch spot.
The float from Twin Cedars down to Scanwea Reservoir was another two hours for a run that was four hours of total float time.
While I most typically put in at Twin Cedars, I would definitely recommend the full run for the scenic beauty of the start. It would of course go faster at higher flows but even at this flow it was still an enjoyable section of river.
Washington Kayak Club River Trip and BBQ - Thomas O'Keefe
May 11, 2024
The Washington Kayak Club hosted a trip and barbecue on the Cispus River with nearly 30 people joining the trip. The club has a long history of enjoying trips on the Cowlitz River system dating back to those lead by club founder Wolf Bauer. For this trip we enjoyed clear skies and beautiful sunny weather, but of course it is always sunny on the Cispus.
A great time was had by all with a run down the river, a surf session at Paul's Play Pen (nice level for long boats), and then a barbecue at the take-out organized by Michael Deckert and his wife Becky. Wood hazards were present along the banks in a couple places, most notably the river right channel at Lower Iron Creek Rapid. The main lines were clean.
We met at 10:30am at the take-out, shuttled up to the put-in and were on the water by 11:30. It was a relatively short 20-30 minute session at Paul's Play Plan. We had another short break and reached the take-out shortly before 3:00pm. It was thus an approximately 3 hour run plus stops at this flow. Everyone completed their shuttles and the barbecue wrapped up around 4:30pm.
This was a chance to enjoy the new picnic shelter and take full advantage of the take-out facility finally constructed and available for the public to enjoy nearly 40 years after issuance of their hydropower license. In 1986 the Federal Energy Regulatory authorized the construction of the Cowlitz Falls Hydroelectric project and included a provision that 'The licensee shall, after consultation with the Friends of Whitewater, construct a boat ramp take-out facility at the head of the reservoir on the Cispus River so that boating use of that river will not be interrupted by project construction or operation.' It took decades of advocacy, much of it coordinated by Michael Deckert, for Lewis County PUD to comply with this license condition and it was a please to be out on the water enjoying the facility with Michael.
Cispus River Take-Out Construction - Thomas O'Keefe
Aug 21, 2022
As a condition of the hydropower license for the construction of the Cowlitz Falls Hydroelectirc Project Lewis County PUD was required to build an access site at the head of the reservoir. After many years of advocacy Lewis County PUD finally has the construction of the access facility underway and it is nearly complete and ready for public use.
Cispus River Trip - Thomas O'Keefe
Jun 16, 2021
After a meeting with Cowlitz County PUD, the paddlers who attended went out to enjoy an afternoon run on the river and a session at Paul's Play Pen. Gates have been consistently open this spring and you can drive to the water's edge at the take-out from either the east or west side. We enjoyed a good flow of 1500 cfs. We encountered some wood in play along the edges but no major hazards.
Access Report - Robert Menard
Jun 27, 2017
According to the following website: https://www.lcpud.org/recreation/copper-canyon-creek-take-out-site/ 'Road Status Last Updated: June 21, 2017 Port Blakely 300 Road Gate: Open Port Blakely 340 Road Gate: Open Information Hotline: (360) 345-1484 As of 2017, all access roads to our Copper Canyon Creek Take-Out site are now open unless otherwise noted on our website due to hazardous or safety concerns.'
Scheduled Open Gate Days - Renee C Paradis
Apr 21, 2014
2014 340 Road gate opening days are scheduled for: Saturday, 26 April Saturday, 10 May Sunday, 11 May This gate is scheduled to be open 10am to 5pm on these days. The 340 gate serves the Copper Canyon Creek take-out facility. To verify, please check with contact Debbie at debbie@lcpud.org.(360)740-2457. For additional information, please visit http://www.lcpud.org/Recreation/Take\_Out\_Site.
