Packraft          Trip Reports

Why Paddle the Bridge-Stehekin Loop?: This route pairs some of the best whitewater in the North Cascades with excellent wilderness hiking on a well maintained trail system that meanders through old-growth forest and alpine meadows. Bridge Creek has long been a sought after wilderness kayak run for advanced paddlers that comes with a few logistical challenges. Typically, kayakers do a 3-hour one-way shuttle followed by a 4-mile hike to access the river, and then finish the adv

Why packraft the Minam?: Flowing out of the Wallowa Mountains in northeastern Oregon's Eagle Cap Wilderness, the Minam River is a designated Wild and Scenic river that offers multiple fun hike-to-paddle routes that can meet a variety of skills or interests. For those looking for a great section of class II wilderness paddling with simple hiking access, the Lower Minam is a fantastic option. For advanced paddlers looking to extend the trip, a beautiful alpine hike accesses the

Why Packraft the King Range Loop?: As packrafters, the loop route is one of the most compelling reasons for hiking with your paddling gear. How often do you get to go on a river trip where you start and end at the same place? Now think of the number of loop routes out there that also include a wilderness costal hike. That's what makes the Lost Coast-Mattole loop truly a unique route. On its own, the Lost Coast is an incredibly scenic and rugged section of coastline known for

Why Imnaha?: The Wild and Scenic Imnaha River is a remote tributary of the Snake River, flowing through stunning high desert scenery in Northeast Oregon’s Wallowa Mountains. The lower Imnaha section is a fun intermediate stretch of whitewater with a riverside trail that makes for a great day-trip or a one-night outing. The last of the Imnaha as it joins the Snake River. There is excellent camping at the confluence just downstream. Why Packraft?: The Imnaha is only a 4.5 mile

York Creek Rapid on the Illinois. Why Illinois?: The Illinois is a classic Northwest multi-day paddling trip in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness in Southern Oregon. More challenging than the Rogue River and with easier access than the Chetco, the Illinois shares the same beautiful turquoise waters, granite boulders and forested canyon walls as its neighbors. The Illinois is known for high quality whitewater suited for advanced paddlers. Little Green Wall Rapid. Why Packraft?: The Il

Why Chetco?: The Chetco flows out of Southwest Oregon’s Kalmiopsis Wilderness. While the Chetco’s beauty and whitewater are on par or superior to its more popular multi-day neighbors, the Rogue and Illinois, a long hike in keeps most paddlers away. Once on the river, you will be treated to iridescent turquoise waters, impressive canyons, and unspoiled wilderness camping.     In addition to consistently beautiful scenery, the Chetco offers miles of delightful class III-IV whit

A typical ledge characteristic of the Elwha, this one in Rica Canyon. Why Elwha?: The Elwha is about as dramatic a river as I could imagine. An incredibly lush landscape with continuous and intimate sheer-walled canyon scenery. This river is often referred to as the crown jewel of the Olympics and is easily one of the most beautiful rivers I have paddled in Washington. The water is aquamarine and the rapids are challenging and stacked. Typically, this trip is done as a o