For the Full Experience
White Salmon River Full Day
ABOUT THIS TRIP
More Miles, More Rapids, More River
On this extended version of our half-day White Salmon trip, you’ll continue an extra 4.5 miles downstream after enjoying a delicious catered lunch at Northwestern Park. Enjoy stunning scenery and learn about the remarkable history of the White Salmon’s Lower Gorge as your raft descends through the remnants of Northwestern Lake, the former site of Condit Dam, and the incredible White Salmon Narrows. This 12-mile adventure ends in a national scenic area with sweeping views of Mt. Hood standing tall on the horizon.
Guests must be able to hike over uneven terrain and scramble up a short rock wall during the portage around Steelhead Falls. Don’t hesitate to call us if you have any questions about whether this trip is for you.
This section may be unavailable during low-water conditions.
Riverside Lunch Included
$175 / person
Distance/Duration
12 Miles/5 hours
Ages
6 and up
Difficulty
Class III-IV(V)
Season
June - August
When & Where
Times: 9:00 AM or 1:30 PM
Location: BZ Corner, WA (1259 WA-141, White Salmon, WA)
Arrival: Please arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign waivers and meet your guides
Late Policy: Late arrivals may miss their trip and are not guaranteed a refund
Parking: Standard vehicle parking available; RVs and trailers accommodated with advance notice
What to Bring
We Provide: Wetsuits, neoprene booties, Type V PFDs, helmets, and splash tops
You Bring: Just your sense of adventure. Wear a swimsuit or quick-dry layers under your wetsuit. Hats and glasses are fine with a strap.
On the Raft: Guides can store medications, snacks, and water bottles in a dry bag
Leave Behind: Electronics, jewelry, and valuables (they’re easy to lose in the river)
Keys & Clothes: Store keys with us and use your vehicle as a locker for dry items
Itinerary
BEFORE HITTING THE WATER
At 9:00 a.m., we will hand out your rafting gear, and you will have time to get ready. Don’t hesitate to ask us questions. We are here to help. Once everyone has changed, we will board the green shuttle buses and drive to the nearby BZ Corner Launch. You’ll receive a brief orientation, and we will get the rafts into the water.
INTO THE RAPIDS
The Middle White Salmon begins with a bang! We will run over a dozen class III-IV rapids in the first mile. Around the halfway point, we reach Husum Falls, an optional 12-foot waterfall. Husum Falls can only be run commercially at certain water levels. If the level is right, your crew proves they are up for the challenge, and they follow your guide’s instructions well, you can take the plunge over this Class IV-V drop. Don’t forget to hang on tight when your guide says, “Get Down!” Guests who do not wish to run the falls can walk around the rapid and cheer from the shore.
REFUEL AND ROLL ON
After Husum Falls, get ready for 3 more miles of fun Class II+ rapids down to our lunch stop at Northwestern Park. After eating a delicious catered lunch at the park, we hop back in the raft and continue another 4.5 miles down the Lower Gorge of the White Salmon. As you descend through the remnant lake bed of the former Northwestern Lake, you’ll encounter exciting and continuous Class II+ rapids culminating in a spectacular gorge just upstream of the site of the former Condit Dam. It might be hard to imagine, but the waterfalls and impressive rock formations in this section of the canyon used to be buried over 100 feet underwater at the bottom of Northwestern Lake for 96 years. Imagine a 125-foot tall, 80-foot thick concrete wall rising above you as you pass through the section where the dam was removed in 2011-12. There is little evidence of the dam remaining.
INTO THE NARROWS
Next, you’ll encounter the most stunning section of the White Salmon River. Lush Moss, hanging gardens of flowers and ferns adorn towering basalt walls and caves in this deep canyon. A few Class II rapids will keep you on your toes before you reach Steelhead Falls, a mandatory portage. Guests walk around this rapid and scramble up a short rock wall before returning to the rafts. Next comes the most breathtaking part of the Lower Gorge, the White Salmon Narrows. The river passes through a narrow basalt slot canyon with impressive cliff walls rising 100 feet overhead. The next mile of the trip contains many technical class II rapids that will test your paddle crew’s ability to work together as a team.
WRAPPING UP THE ADVENTURE
Finally, the river calms and slows as it approaches the confluence with the Columbia. Keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles, bears, river otters, and other wildlife as the river winds through braided channels. Late in the season, in September and October, spawning salmon can often be seen migrating upstream. You’ll enjoy a spectacular view of Mt Hood from across the Columbia before taking out just upstream of the Hwy 14 bridge, where our shuttle buses will be waiting to bring us back to our headquarters in BZ Corner.
Back at our headquarters, everyone can change out of their rafting gear and then see and purchase photos taken by our professional photographer. We also have souvenir T-shirts, hats, and stickers available for purchase. We hope you enjoyed the trip and return to run more whitewater with us soon!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is parking available for rafting trips?
Yes, we offer free on-site parking for all guests at our headquarters. If you’re bringing a large RV, camper, or trailer, please let us know in advance so we can reserve extra space for you.
How do I get to Columbia River Outdoors from Portland or Hood River?
From Portland / Hood River:
- Cross the Hood River Bridge into Washington.
- Turn left onto WA-14 West and drive 1.5 miles.
- Turn right onto WA-141 Alt / WA-141 Alternate North and continue 2.2 miles.
- Merge onto WA-141 North and drive 7.9 miles.
You’ll find us on the left side of the highway, just north of the BZ Market/Gas Station and directly across from The Logs Inn.
What do you do with car keys while rafting?
Where should I store my clothes and valuables?
Guests typically store dry clothes, shoes, and valuables in their vehicle at our base location.
Can you raft down Husum Falls? Is Husum Falls safe to run?
Husum Falls is a Class V waterfall and is completely optional. Whether you can run it depends on:
- River flow levels
- Your guide’s professional judgment
- Your physical ability and comfort level
If conditions allow, your guide may offer the option to run the falls. This is a significant step up in difficulty from the rest of the trip and is best suited for athletic adults and adventurous, capable teens. Guests may always choose to walk around the falls.
Safety is our top priority. If your guide advises against running the waterfall, their decision is final.
What is the minimum age for rafting?
What is your cancellation/refund policy?
What is your weather cancellation/refund policy?
What if we are late for our trip?
What is your alcohol policy?
Guests of Columbia River Outdoors are not permitted to consume alcohol prior to participation in any river trip or activity. Guests who arrive intoxicated or are seen consuming alcohol prior to a trip or activity will not be allowed to participate and no refunds will be issued.
Do you offer group rates or discounts?
Can we tip our guide?
Guide gratuity is not included in the trip price. Gratuities are never expected, but always appreciated, and the amount is up to you!
