Cle Elum
2 - Salmon La Sac Creek to Cle Elum Reservoir
| Difficulty | II |
| Length | 3.7 mi |
| Avg Gradient | n/a |
| Reach Info Last Updated | June 5, 2025 |
Projects
The Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests encompass more than four million acres and are jointly managed with headquarters in Wenatchee, Washington. The rivers flowing through these forests are essential to the whitewater paddling community—both as close-to-home runs for Washington residents and as classic objectives for paddlers traveling from across [...]Read More
The Mountains to Sound Greenway stretches more than 100 miles along Interstate 90 from the shores of Puget Sound in Seattle, across Snoqualmie Pass, and into Central Washington. Encompassing over 700,000 acres of public land managed by local, state, and federal agencies, the Greenway protects an extraordinary landscape that [...]Read More
River Description
This short, road-accessible run on the Cle Elum River is a great option for beginner paddlers looking for continuous but forgiving whitewater. It’s an excellent warm-up or introductory run, especially for those developing boat control in moving water, with plenty of eddies and channels to explore. Flowing on snowmelt, it typically runs during June, with the best conditions during moderate runoff. Even on warm days, the river can be extremely cold during snowmelt season—paddlers should dress appropriately in cold water gear and be prepared for cold-water immersion.
The put-in is at Salmon La Sac Campground, just below the Class III rapid that marks the end of the more challenging China Gorge section upstream. This rapid is also the site of the League of Northwest Whitewater Racers' annual slalom race and serves as the traditional start for the downriver race, held each June since 1962.
From the campground to the Cooper Road (FR 46) Bridge, the river offers nearly continuous action over gravel bars and around large boulders, interspersed with calm recovery pools. At moderate flows, these features create fun, manageable rapids ideal for skill-building. A standout feature is the bedrock ledge just downstream of the bridge—easily scouted or viewed from the road. The run continues down to the Forest Road 4308 Bridge. The river disappears into the slackwater of the reservoir shortly past this bridge.
Access: From I-90, take exit 80 and head toward Roslyn and Salmon La Sac (those arriving from the east can take exit 84). After 2.7 miles, you’ll reach Highway 903—turn left (north). At this point, you’re at mile 4.2 on Highway 903, which becomes Salmon La Sac Road. Continue through Roslyn and past Cle Elum Reservoir to mile 17.4, where you’ll reach the turn-off for FR 4308 and the bridge—this is a good take-out. To reach the put-in, return to Salmon La Sac Road and continue up to mile 21 and the bridge at Salmon La Sac Campground.
River Features
Salmon La Sac Put In
Access is on the upstream river right side of the bridge adjacent to the campground entrance. This is also the site of the annual Salmon La Sac Whitewater Slalom Race, held since 1962.
Forest Road 4308 Bridge Take-Out
Good low bank access on the downstream river left side of the bridge.
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportWe paddled this yesterday. Clear of any log issues on this section. Level was 2000-3000cfs ish. Great weather and levels!
Ran this float today, river at 2250 it was a nice level, not really up in the trees at all. There are 3 good surfing holes here.
One of a few fun surf spots on the lower Cle Elum run.
On 6-17-2002, there was a huge tree across the river left channel of the river where it splits for the second time below the Salmon La Sac bridge. The first split is essentially AT the bridge and the second is just after you see the Ranger's cabin for the last time on the left. This tree covered the river from bank to bank and would definetly pose a problem if you weren't paying attention and drifted into the left channel. It is easily visable from upstream.
Taken from Salmon La Sac bridge
Road side play spot