http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/mbs/news-events/?cid=STELPRD3819780

The upper Suiattle road is re-opening later this month out near Darrington after what I understand is more than a decade of closure. I have no idea whether any boating is up there that now will be re-accessible. The River section of PP describes a 16 mile section of Class 3+ water on the Suiattle. That sounds good. But I'm not sure whether that section is what will be made available by the opening.

Comments?

Chris

We took Alpacka's 10 miles past where the road was blocked a couple years ago. It's a beautiful stretch of river. It was mid-summer and not that high. At that level I would not call it 3+ but it did have a lot of class 3 wave trains and a whole lotta wood. But it was super splashy and fu, I with maybe one protage. I would imagine that it gets up to 3+ with more water, and I bet there is a lot more wood in play at that point as it the banks are lined with tons of logs. But it's a fun section, with great camping all along it. Would be a great self-support section.

I too am excited about having access back to the end of the road, and I want to get up there as soon as I can.

I will be representing my business at the event in Darrington tomorrow, so I won't be able to do it then. I do plan on going Sunday though. I know there is good flows and lots of options this weekend, but if anybody want to come along that would be sweet! 

This might go without saying, but the class III rating doesn't mean this is a good run for class III boaters. I'm planing for lots of log jumps and a few portages. I will be kayaking and getting an early start.

Let me know if you would like to join 248.505.1637

Thanks,
Brian

A fellow boater at WRRR provided me with insight on what looks like a big gain for us in Western Washington.

Based on Jeff Bennett’s report, The American Whitewater site describes the Suiattle as 20+ miles of Class 3+ water on a stretch that has been designated a Wild and Scenic River, with opportunities for overnight trips. Draining off the glaciers of Glacier Peak, the Suiattle runs later into the summer than most other Washington rivers.

Wood is the main cautionary note in the river description. I won't be able to get out there for a few weeks, but it would be great to develop some beta on what sounds like a re-emerging gem for the boating community.

Upper Suiattle:

http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/2243/

It connects with the lower Suiattle run:
http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/2244/


More background on the area at NWhikers.net if you search the forums.   

Let's make use of this tomorrow?
Anyone?

My brother and I may be upon the Sauk or suiattle tmrw. One cat boater and a kayaker...