Working closely with partner organizations, American Whitewater has played a leading role in stewardship projects addressing both conservation and public access on the White Salmon River in Washington. Over decades of advocacy, we have helped secure federal Wild and Scenic designation, established public access points, and supported the complete removal of Condit Dam in 2012, restoring the White Salmon to a fully free-flowing river. Today, the river provides premier habitat for salmon and steelhead while remaining a world-class destination for whitewater enthusiasts nationwide.
The River Experience
The White Salmon River is fed by underground aquifers, melting glaciers, and steady precipitation, providing consistent year-round flows. Pristine waterfalls tumble from canyon walls into the crystal-blue river, captivating every visitor. “We would often go off on a picnic along the river just to see it bubbling and rushing past,” recalls Phyllis Clausen, former president of Friends of the White Salmon and longtime river steward. “I recognized the power of the river; it was just wonderfully wild.”
Whitewater paddlers visit the White Salmon year-round, enjoying steady summer flows and easy winter access. As the most popular river in the Columbia River Gorge, it draws over 40,000 boaters annually and remains a staple for Pacific Northwest outdoor enthusiasts.
Protecting the River: History of Advocacy
In 1976, proposals for seven dams threatened to transform the White Salmon into a series of reservoirs. Community members and local supporters, including Phyllis Clausen, advocated for the river’s fish and ecological integrity, successfully preventing new dams and laying the groundwork for long-term stewardship. Paddlers quickly recognized the river’s exceptional recreational value, cementing its status as a world-class paddling destination.
Condit Dam Removal (P-2342)
American Whitewater first requested a study on Condit Dam removal in February 1992, highlighting the need to assess impacts on recreation, fisheries, flood mitigation, and power production. During the 1993 Environmental Impact Statement scoping process, we requested a detailed analysis of whitewater boating opportunities and their economic benefits under a dam removal alternative.
American Whitewater joined conservation groups and agencies in the 1999 Settlement Agreement to remove Condit Dam, guiding the project through a complex regulatory process. Constructed in 1913, the dam had diverted flows from 1.1 miles of the White Salmon and created Northwestern Reservoir. With the dam breached in October 2011, the project reopened thirty-three miles of critical cold-water spawning habitat for steelhead and fifteen miles for salmon. The river returned to full free-flow from Mt. Adams to the Columbia River, and five miles of newly restored river provided new whitewater opportunities.
The dramatic draining of the reservoir, which occurred in just one hour, was the first of its kind and remains a benchmark for river restoration projects nationwide. Over two decades of advocacy and technical work by American Whitewater and partners ensured a successful, ecologically sensitive project that continues to inspire river stewardship.
Key Milestones in Condit Dam Removal:
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May 2011: Mobilization
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June – September 2011: Water line relocation and bridge protection
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August – October 2011: Site layout, barge setup, and access road construction
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September – October 2011: Drain tunnel and spillway preparation
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October 26, 2011: Final drain tunnel plug removed; reservoir drains
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November 2011 – September 2012: Demolition of dam, flowline, penstocks, and other structures
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November 2012: River fully reopens
Organizational Parties to Settlement: American Rivers, American Whitewater, Columbia Gorge Audubon Society, Columbia Gorge Coalition, Columbia Riverkeeper (previously Columbia River United), Federation of Fly Fishers, Friends of the Columbia Gorge, Friends of the Earth, Friends of the White Salmon, Rivers Council of Washington (disbanded), The Mountaineers, The Sierra Club, Trout Unlimited, Wild Fish Conservancy (previously Washington Trout), and Washington Wild (previously Washington Wilderness Coalition).
Additional Resources: Condit Dam removal blog, Film of Condit Dam Breach Explosion, Film of Initial Explorations of the Lower Gorge
Wild and Scenic Designation
American Whitewater has represented recreational users in efforts to protect the White Salmon. The Middle White Salmon received federal Wild and Scenic designation in 1986 through the Columbia Gorge Scenic Act. In 2005, we collaborated with Friends of the White Salmon and American Rivers to designate an additional 22 miles near the river’s headwaters in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. These milestones highlight the river’s value beyond hydropower and underscore its ecological and recreational significance.
Public Access
American Whitewater has supported public access initiatives, including the acquisition of an 11-acre parcel at BZ Corner through the Trust for Public Land. Managed by the Forest Service, this site features a raft slide and improved restroom facilities, ensuring safe, low-impact public enjoyment. We continue working to secure additional access points along the river, helping future generations experience the White Salmon’s exceptional recreational and ecological values.