Cowlitz, Clear Fork
Lava Creek to La Wis Wis Campground
| Difficulty | V+ |
| Length | 5.6 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 236 fpm |
| Gauge | Cowlitz River at Packwood, Wa |
| Flow Rate as of 1 hour | 1790 cfsrunnable |
| Reach Info Last Updated | May 31, 2019 |
River Description
Gauge: The gauge is downstream below some major confluences so it is not a perfect representation, just a ballpark to get you started.
The estimate is broken out into ELF flows, low flows, medium, and high runnable. Below is a report of what you can expect at each of those levels aside from high runnable.
ELF Flows: 700-1200 Cascade Classics
Low Flows: 1200-2100 Oregon Kayaking
Medium Flows: 2100-3500 Into the Outside & Rafting (1.5 on fisherman's gauge)
High runnable 3500-4500
There is also a fisherman gauge on river left just below the road bridge within La Wis Wis campground. Paddlers can use this gauge as well with medium flows occurring between 1 and 1.5
Check out the photos tab for a couple shots of this physical gauge.
Description: One of the most challenging, scenic and exciting runs in the Northwest. Dropping at 250 fpm for 5 miles, the Clear Fork feels like a long run. If you've never done the run, plan on a full day and a physically demanding experience. Wood is constantly shifting, so you should expect serveral portages and be prepared to do a lot of scouting. Egress from the gorge is extremely difficult, so you also need to bring plenty of rescue gear (ropes, biners, slings, first aid, and breakdowns).
If you are lucky enough to make it on the Clear Fork, it could be the best damn day of kayaking you've ever had. The Clear Fork has a little bit of everything- technical rapids, big drops and continuous whitewater. The river flows through a narrow canyon and the streambed is small, with the flow accountin
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Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportMedium flows are between 1 and 1.5
Shot from the road bridge over the Clear Fork Cowlitz in La Wis Wis Campground. Medium flows are currently considered between 1 and 1.5
River report - April 18, 2004
GAUGES: There was talk of the gauges being off from last year but we determined (through video from this trip and one in June 2003) that the gauge reads the same now as it did then. We had 2000cfs on the Cowlitz@Packwood gauge both times and 870cfs on the Cispus@Randle last year with 1100cfs on that gauge this year. The video showed the same water level (on the trip some thought it was higher, some thought it was lower, the video showed basically the same levels both times with maybe a few drops more this trip).
WOOD: There is basically the same wood as last year and we ran with 3 portages. One of them is runnable, one is about 10 feet, the other is 'The Bad Neighborhood' (which is cleaner than before). The log jam shown in one of the photos here hasn't been there for awhile. Other than that, most wood was in the same places that I remember them in last June. However, I did say 'most wood' - so nobody runs it blind and finds a piece that I didn't mention. This is just to say that it's good to go!
Happy paddling!