Blue

White Cloud to Blue River Chapel (2.4 miles)

Reach banner
DifficultyI(II)
Length2.5 mi
Avg Gradient4 fpm
GaugeBlue River Near White Cloud, in
Flow Rate as of 1 hour
616 cfsbelow recommended
Reach Info Last UpdatedDecember 17, 2019

River Description

Put in at White Cloud (unofficial put-in) at the end of Harrison Springs Rd. Immediately after putting in, you will encounter a broken-down dam that at higher levels (above 6' on Leavenworth gauge), forms a large green wave that will entertain for hours. At that level, river left of the wave is a nice side-surfing hole that provides effortlesss 360's.

This is an excellent park and surf spot, however, be mindful of the NO TRESPASSING signs on river left when going back up. At moderate levels (5-7'), a center rock allows you to place your boat above the rapid and attain back up to the put-in.

If you continue on down to the Chapel, you will find easy shoals, perfect for beginner kayaking trips and canoe trips. One S-turn rapid about 2/3 of the way down usually harbors wood on river right due to an overhanging tree. Be on the lookout for strainers at all times.

The last rapid before the Chapel is a rocky, shallow affair that may cause swims with beginners, however, a large rock on river right that caused most upsets has moved downstream recently after some high water.


River Features

Put In

Distance: 0 mi
Access Point

White Cloud

Distance: 0 mi
Other
White Cloud

Take Out

Distance: 2.4 mi
Access Point

EC
Eric Carlson

Feb 9, 2011


Kayak and canoe trip with the family on the blue river. Sparky our dog checking out how the kayak works

JE
Jared Ebelhar

Feb 15, 2004


Cold day on the Blue