Foss

We chose this run because it offered a rare combination: a challenging creek section up high and an easier lower stretch where additional paddlers could join. The Skykomish at Goldbar was at about 7,100 cfs, which translated to lower-than-ideal water for the Foss. Still, it was the best option we could think of that day, so we decided to put on and see how it went.

The upper section immediately felt thin. Progress through the boulder gardens was more about precision than momentum, with constant pinballing between rocks and very little margin for error. Pin potential was everywhere. Ken and Barbie, the signature drop on the run, was partially blocked by a log, forcing a portage. Not long after, a paddler attempted to catch a left eddy, slipped back over a shallow ledge, and became pinned. As weight shifted during the initial response, the pin worsened and the paddler exited, sending the boat downstream without its occupant.

While one paddler carefully continued through the next drop—which was awkward to scout from the boat—others repositioned downstream to deal with the now-unoccupied boat, which had lodged against a rock at the base of a ledge. After several tense minutes, the boat was finally worked free. The recovery wasn’t without drama, as the boat briefly flushed downstream again, but everyone eventually regrouped with no injuries and intact gear.

Not long after, we reached the railroad bridge, where additional paddlers joined for the lower section. With the flow still low, there was some concern about whether this stretch would be enjoyable. Although the rapids were nominally class III, the technical nature of the boulder dodging made them feel more serious than the rating suggested. Very precise boat control was required to avoid pins, and the consequences of small mistakes were immediate.

One paddler in our group was understandably tense, and the group tightened up spacing to provide support. There was a moment where walking out seemed like a real possibility, but with a bit of assistance to get unstuck, the group continued downstream to the confluence with the Tye River. There, the character of the run changed noticeably as the flow picked up and the rapids opened up.

The Tye delivered a few fun, splashy rapids to finish things off. On the last one before the takeout, a paddler got knocked offline and swam. Another paddler briefly found themselves out of position while setting up for the rescue, but the group recovered efficiently. Everyone and everything was accounted for before reaching the takeout.

Overall, the day was a reminder that low water can make even familiar runs feel sharp-edged and unforgiving. While the Foss delivered technical interest, it demanded constant focus and conservative decision-making at these lower flows. The Tye provided a welcome, higher-flow finish and a chance to relax just a bit before calling it a day.