Whitewater Raft the Green River Gorge

The Green River Gorge is one of the best whitewater options within an hour of the Seattle area. This beautiful scenic rocky gorge offers 14 miles of class III-IV whitewater and lots of great play spots for rafters and kayakers. This section of river is often boated in the late fall, winter, and spring months but is typically too low in the summer. Both private boaters and commercial outfitters enjoy running this river.

The float starts out with instant excitement just a hundred yards after you shove off with Ledge Drop One (class III) and continues with some nice boulder gardens before Ledge Drop Two (class III). From there the river makes a few bends before you reach Pipeline (class III+) which can definitely get your heart pumping when the flows are up. After a couple more corners you come to Mercury (class IV) and the Nozzle (class IV), and Lets Make a Deal (class III) all within a very short distance. The start of these 3 rapids is easily identified by the sets of large power lines overhead. It is typically best to run the left side of Mercury to allow yourself time to eddy out/scout if need be or get lined up before the Nozzle. The Nozzle is the narrowest spot in the river and has tremendous force of water rushing between two large boulders. After the Nozzle there is a bend in the river before you come to Lets Make a Deal.

After that there are several more good class III rapids before you come to the Franklin Bridge and Paradise Falls. Just before the bridge the river splits and river left is the preferred route. This section has a big hole below a boulder which can sneak up on you if you aren't careful. Just below the bridge is beautiful Paradise Falls which is always worth eddying out for a photo.

Below the bridge the river mellows out a bit but there are still some decent rapids to your attention. One nice scenic stop is the Grand Canyon of the Green River gorge which is a giant rock wall that comes straight out of the river. This spot has a great eddy for taking a lunch break.

The Green River Gorge is best run between 1000 CFS and 4000 CFS. Anything below that the river gets too bony and above the hydraulics become unpredictable and dangerous. Please check with the USGS Real-time Gauge for the most up to date flow information. Additionally check with American Whitewater website for any up to date reports such as log jams/obstructions.

Put In: Kanasket Palmer State Park / Takeout: Flaming Geyser State Park