Wenatchee

I think there should be a bit more beta on this page on Boulder Bend, so here goes. The rapid starts with a set of wave trains on a long straightaway that passes under highway 2, which leads into an enormous wave/hole that marks the beginning of Boulder Bend proper. A lot of paddlers call this wave 'Aguirri' (meaning the wrath of god) since its so powerful. It doesn't look that big as your approaching, but trust me, Aguirri can flip rafts easily, especially above 10,000 cfs. Aguirri is visible from the highway two bridge on the way to the put in if its your first time. Immediately after Aguirri, the main current splits around a shallower section in the middle. Go left of Aguirri for the bigger water (class III+-IV), or stay right of it and dodge the boulders, working your way back into the middle (class III-III+). What makes this rapid hazardous is the potential for long swims. Boulder Bend is about a half mile long from start to finish, and swimming the whole thing can be exhausting. Boulder bend also has the highest potential for wood (a log killed somebody 2 years ago), especially on the left side. Entrapment could pose a threat at lower levels.