Wind
3. Stabler to High Bridge(Upper Wind)
| Difficulty | IV-V |
| Length | 6.5 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 87 fpm |
| Gauge | Wind R. @ Stabler |
| Flow Rate as of 1 hour | 180 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | January 11, 2023 |
Projects
Washington’s legendary volcanoes – Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Adams – are the source of wild, free-flowing rivers and streams that cascade over big drops and through deep basalt canyons on their way to the Columbia River. Rivers like the Clear Fork of the Cowlitz, Cispus, Green, [...]Read More
While the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act provides the strongest protection for conservation of rivers, other legislation has provided protection of rivers from hydropower development. Section 13 of the Columbia Gorge Scenic Area Act includes important river protection measures. The Wind, Hood, and Little White Salmon were protected from [...]Read More
River Description
This run is one of the one of the true classics of the Columbia Gorge flowing out of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest then dropping through an impressive series of action-packed boulder gardens downstream of the community of Stabler. At lower flows this is a technical continuous creeking run with fun boofs and slalom moves through the boulder fields while staying alert for a couple of holes. At higher flows get ready for some continuous action-packed excitement with big waves, plenty of holes, and fast current. Just be sure you know the run if you are attempting it at higher flows. Regulars can do the run in an hour or less and often shuttle back up for a second lap.
The run starts out with some class II and III warm up rapids. When the river bends right, Trout Creek comes in and then the water drops out of site through a boulder field and into a left bend, you are at Initiation. This is one of the longer rapids on the run but there are plenty of options to pick your way through. Most start center but you can find a more forgiving line down the right. From this point on down to Climax you can expect fairly continous whitewater action with pools that are generous at lower flows and diminsh as flows increase.
Below Initation you will encounter more fun whitewater as you approach a distinct horizon line marking Ram's Horn, the biggest drop on the run. You need to stay in control through the long introductory sequence and then work your way to the left to avoid the big holes to the right at the bottom. At medium flows there is a good eddy on river left to stage in above this last pitch.
After a couple more rapids you will approach Balls to the Wall Right marked by a short basalt wall along river right. Keep your momentum and stay alert for a good-sized hole that develops in the river right chute. Next up is Balls to the Wall Left and some more fun rapids.
The last significant horizon line is known as Climax. As flows increase a good-sized h
...River Features
Hemlock Road Bridge Put In
The put-in is on the upstream river right side of the Hemlock Road Bridge where Linde Road dead ends at the river in Stabler.
High Bridge Take Out
Take out on river right just upstream of High Bridge where Detour Roads comes to an end at the river.
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportThe Old Detour Road providing access to the Wind River at High Bridge was damaged during the high rain events in December 2025. American Whitewater is engaged in efforts to repair the road and restore access.
Upper Wind Takeout - Recommendation
Since the washout, neighbor tensions around Old Detour Road have increased substantially. We’re legal, but we’re guests - how we act matters.
What we know
- The road is closed to vehicles only, not pedestrians.
- Walking boats is legal; do not drive past the closure. Driving past the closure is a misdemeanor criminal offense
- Sheriff and Public Works are aware and confirm this.
- Road repair is planned but not soon. We might be able to get the closure sign moved down the road away from neighbors.
- Kayakers currently have good standing with law enforcement - don’t burn it.
What to do
- Drive very slowly through the neighborhood.
- Park near power lines on High Bridge Road https://maps.app.goo.gl/HGnZyqYCpfJvXpkU6
- DO NOT park near the “Road Closed” sign or anywhere in the neighborhood.
- Carpool and consolidate vehicles before reaching the High Bridge Road parking area.
- Load/unload fast and never block access
- Move quickly and quietly at the takeout.
- No alcohol, no public changing, no dogs.
- Assume you’re being watched or filmed.
Interactions
- Don’t argue, even if you’re right.
- Be overly polite and disengage/walk away if someone is hostile. If you’re able to get a name, please send it to Dana Cross
- A simple “Sorry for the inconvenience - we’ll be out of your way shortly” goes a long way.
- Long-term access is built by being good neighbors off the river as well, such as: supporting local businesses, helping when you see a disabled vehicle, joining SAR, and building relationships with locals away from the takeout.
Bottom line
Legal access isn’t enough - low profile, high respect, zero confrontation keeps this working until the road is fixed.
Site visit to put-in and take-out.
Folks are running it every day now that the winter flows are back, and the wood situation is good. Being myself I come here mostly in the 5 foot zone, but class V local paddlers run it a lot higher. Five feet isn't 'easy'---it's manky and still fast, but there are eddies.
As of the snow and ice storms of January 2017 there is a lot of dangerous new wood in this section. May require class V skills.
A run that started on Trout Creek and continued on to the Wind.
Better flow than E. Fork Lewis is: https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/wrx/wrx/flows/station.asp?sta=29C100 Sometimes this gauge is slow to update though.
Fall trip on the Wind River with the local crew.
Site visit to access sites.