The Mountains to Sound Greenway stretches more than 100 miles along Interstate 90 from the shores of Puget Sound in Seattle, across Snoqualmie Pass, and into Central Washington. Encompassing over 700,000 acres of public land managed by local, state, and federal agencies, the Greenway protects an extraordinary landscape that connects urban areas with rugged mountain wilderness.
Within this landscape lie whitewater rivers of national significance, offering outstanding recreation opportunities just outside the Seattle metropolitan area. Many of these rivers have been identified by the U.S. Forest Service as eligible for Wild and Scenic designation, reflecting their exceptional natural and recreational values.
American Whitewater has long represented the paddling community through service on the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust Board and as an active partner in shaping a long-term vision for river protection and stewardship as well as enhanced public access. Our leadership also contributed to the designation of the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area in 2019 (Public Law 116–9), ensuring recognition and coordinated conservation and management of this remarkable corridor for future generations.
Among the Greenway’s most cherished whitewater rivers are the Middle Fork Snoqualmie, with its Wild and Scenic designation and extensive public access improvements we worked to implement; the South Fork Snoqualmie, a convenient after-work run for Seattle-area paddlers; the Cooper River, offering a pristine alpine experience through a Forest Service Roadless Area; the North Fork Snoqualmie, where we worked to prevent development of a major hydropower project; and the Cle Elum and Yakima Rivers, where restoration and flow management efforts continue to enhance recreation and ecological health. Together, these rivers define the Greenway’s unique blend of wildness, accessibility, and community stewardship.
American Whitewater works to ensure these rivers remain accessible, healthy, and free-flowing for the benefit of the entire community.
