Rattlesnake Creek (Naches trib.)

In a region that has some stunning columnal basalt, I can't think of a more impressive display than what we saw paddling Rattlesnake Creek. The river made us work for it though, we had about 3 portages in the upper section of the river and another 10 in the braided section. The river really moved around noticeably since the prior year due to the winter flooding. The take out bridge even washed out! So approach the river from the south side. — Ariel, Brett, and I floated down on May 2nd 2026. Flows were 1750 on the nearby Naches @ Cliffdel gauge. Felt like a medium-low flow to me. — We started out at the put in bridge. About a mile downstream, where there used to be a log jam, the river channel shifted to the right and now avoids it. Unfortunately, some of that wood washed downstream around the bend and wedged itself in the best rapid! Bummer. Looks like it may clean out in years to come though. Portage on the right and admire one of the more impressive displays of angular basalt above. 46.80846, -121.05256 — The second portage was about 50 yards below. From here on there was some nice class III- rapids and some scenic basalt displays. While the rapids didn't push beyond class III, the swiftness of the river and it's propensity to gather wood would keep me from bringing any beginners along. There aren't many good eddies either. We'd usually drive ourselves onto a cobble bank to get out. — Not before too long, we passed under the bridge with the baller cabins around. Just around the next bend was the entrance to the Grand Gorge. 300 foot tall sheer basalt cliffs flanked our entrance. Wow. Over the course of the next several bends the canyon entranced us. Wow. 46.81316, -120.99358 – Afterwards, the river opened up and braided. 10+ portages around some channel spanners in this very active section of river. The year prior we only had 2 or 3 portages here. We took out at the wdfw access point with the drop toilet. 46.81687, -120.94289 — We drove shuttle this year, but the bike shuttle is really cool. There's a lot of climbing at first, but it is rewarded with some magnificent views of the river with snowcapped mountains in the background. Dispersed camped in the valley too enjoy the rest of the weekend in this beautiful place!