Cowlitz

We canoed the hacthery to hatchery stretch in mid August in a tandem canoe. Flows were about 2400 cfs at the dam. Someone at the put in said this was a relatively low flow, but it was consistent all summer around this flow. Sirens went off a couple of times at the dam, which turns out to be noise deterrents for birds who come to eat the fish. They may also sound of bangs (gun? fireworks?) as deterrants as well. Flows could possbily fluctuate without any notice. They did not while we were there. It was a very quiet day on the river. Rapids are relatively easy, but good boat sklls are necessary as some rapids were on a fast bend. There was a snag about 5.5 miles down which took up most of the moving water path. Just to the left is a strong eddy line so overall a narrow part to sneak by the snag without getting caught in the eddy to be aware of. Very natural setting, not too many homes visible. We did a bike shuttle, but there were flyers at either end for a local shuttle company. Camping is allowed at the trout hatchery take out.