Sol Duc

Cyn and I enjoyed a fun OptOutside day on the Sol Duc River. The level was just below the concrete base on the left side of the gage tower, roughly 3 feet or about 700 cfs (it was 18.25 on the Sol Duc River near Quillayute gage). Flows were on the low side in the upper reaches, and route-finding was a bit challenging. We took a few rock hits in tight rapids, but overall had enough water to move through. We made one short portage just upstream of the confluence of the North and South Forks, where the river is beginning to carve a new channel and several trees have come down, creating wood hazards. At higher flows it is likely possible to navigate on the right but at this level it was a little tight. Fortunately, it was an easy drag over the gravel bar on river right. Below the confluences, the river picked up nicely with plenty of water, and the big ledge drop was a highlight of the run.