Flat Water Paddle Spots
A comprehensive list of launches for Washington, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Canada. Go to the menu item Routes->Paddle and then select the state you are interested in for a list of launches and write ups about them. If you know the name of the lake you are looking for you can use the search box on the home page to quickly navigate to it.
An interactive map that includes boat launches, campgrounds, picnic areas, restrooms and more.
The Pend Oreille River Water Trail
The Pend Oreille River Water Trail covers 70 miles of the Pend Oreille River. The Water Trail begins in Oldtown, ID, then follows the river north through Pend Oreille County, in Northeastern Washington, all the way up to Boundary Dam, just one mile shy of Southeastern British Columbia, Canada. And yes, we said north – the Pend Oreille River is one of a handful of major rivers in the U.S. that flows north … it seems that up in Pend Oreille County, even our river goes against the grain.
The most comprehensive site to find places to sail, kayak, fish and boat within the Inland Northwest.
Guide Books
Paddling Washington
by Rich Landers, Dan Hansen, Verne Huser, and Doug North
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112 routes in rivers, streams, lakes, and bays in the Northwest
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For paddlers of all skill levels
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Maps, safety tips, equipment requirements, and a route comparison chart
This uniquely comprehensive Washington paddling guidebook combines the best of three previous books--Paddle Routes of the Inland Northwest, Paddle Routes of Western Washington, and Washington Whitewater--into one volume. Detailed locator maps and instructions on safety are included, as well as appendices on equipment, map sources, and a useful route comparison chart for selecting the right trip level for any paddler. Paddling Washington covers water routes in western and eastern Washington, British Columbia, North Idaho, and Montana, and has enough trips to keep northwest paddlers busy for years to come.
Whitewater Play Spots
For those of us who like to play in the waves, here's a guide to the best water flow levels for the most popular river play spots nearby.
SPOKANE RIVER
Google Map of River Play Spots
Includes access points and notes.
This site offers current flows for popular play spots and predicts if the wave is in or not.
Gauge Information for
Trailer Park Wave:
Good at 3300-7000 cfs, prime from 4500-6000.
Gets better as it gets bigger. Hole-like when north channel of dam is closed. Wave-like when north channel is open.
Corbin Park Wave:
17,500+ cfs
Corbin Wave gets bigger and better as the water level rises. It can be tough to get out onto, so be ready to work. Be very careful here as the whirlpools are wicked!
Dead Dog:
11,000 (tiny and shallow) - 25,000 cfs
Dangerously sticky around 20,000. When it's at its dangerous levels, Corbin Park is in.
Zoo Wave:
2350 - 2700 cfs
Best at higher levels. Hole on surfer's left, breaking wave in the middle, green wave on surfer's right. Take your pick and throw down!
Sullivan Hole:
2000 - 3500 cfs
Best levels for hole are 2900 - 3000. Wave-like above 3100. Greens out at 3500. Can hit the rock below 2800.
Mini Climax:
Best range is 6400 - 6800 cfs, but surf-able from 5700 - 7500.
Duplex:
6000 - 9000 cfs
Top wave (far river right) is better at the lower range, bottom wave better at higher range.
Devil's Eyeball:
High water park and play does not get any better than this! Although it is large, it is really flushy, so watch the corners of the wave on the surge, as they tend to disappear. Not for the faint of heart, this feature comes in at 35,000 cfs and gets better with more water. Be sure to bring a camera.
HANGMAN CREEK
Flour Power: 4.4 - 4.7 ft.