Official websites use .gov
A .gov
website belongs to an official government organization in the
United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock
(
) or https:// means you've safely
connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only
on official, secure websites.
BZ Launch Site & Trail (#4413)
This day-use site allows kayakers and rafters to put into the Lower White Salmon River. It also includes an easy day hike with scenic views of the river.
The trail to the White Salmon River launch site is fairly short (0.1 mile) and is equipped with a system of parallel rails for sliding boats down to the water. Metal stairs at the river's edge are extended to the water level during the peak summer season, but are raised during high water, making the launch process trickier in the off-season. (Check current conditions for status.)
Note: Cat-a-rafts should use PVC pipe between the rail and their boat - see the site host for assistance.
To hike BZ Trail, turn left at the base of the cliffs and follow a quarter mile trail adjacent to the White Salmon River. The trail leads to a viewpoint tucked in a small canyon overlooking a waterfall.
Parking and a vault toilet are available year-round. Accessible restrooms with flush toilets, changing facilities, and sinks are available during peak season (roughly May to September; check current conditions for status).
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Boat launch, take-outs and trail are open for use. One vault restroom open year-round. |
|---|---|
| Rentals & Guides: | There are multiple professional rafting companies that guide trips on the White Salmon River in the area. |
| Fees: | No Forest Service fees apply, but check our list of official commercial outfitter guides to learn more about their prices. |
| Open Season: | Year-round |
| Usage: | Medium |
| Restrictions: | Motor vehicles are prohibited. Fires not allowed. |
| Closest Towns: | White Salmon, WA; BZ Corner, WA |
| Water: | No Potable Water |
| Restroom: | Vault toilet year-round. Flush toilet available during summer. |
| Operated By: | Forest Service |
| Information Center: | Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area |
General Information
Directions:From Bingen, WA: Travel west on Washington State Route14 to State Route 141 Alternate just east of the mouth of the White Salmon River. Turn right (north) onto State Route 141 Alternate and travel north approximately 2 miles to Washington State Route 141. Turn left on State Route 141 and travel approximately 8 miles to the parking area on the right side (east). Parking area is approximately at milepost (MP) 12.5.
From Vancouver, WA: Travel east on Washington State Route 14 approximately 64 miles to State Route 141 Alternate. Turn left (north) onto State Route 141 Alternate and travel north approximately 2 miles to Washington State Route 141. Turn left on State Route 141 and travel approximately 8 miles to the parking area on the right side (east). Parking area is approximately at milepost (MP) 12.5.
Activities
Day Hiking
Although designed as a raft and kayak launch site, the short trail does offer a relaxing hike along the White Salmon River.
Viewing Scenery
A short trail along the river provides a view of a spectacular waterfall and steep cliffs along the White Salmon River.
Boating - Non-Motorized
This trail has parallel steel bars that provide fairly easy access for getting rafts and kayaks into White Salmon River.
Alerts & Warnings
- Larch Mountain Trail Bridge Destroyed
- Pile Burning in Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
- Microwave Tower Fire Closure/Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail Reopens
- Concept Development for Mosier to The Dalles Trail Underway
- Drones prohibited in wilderness and select recreation sites
- Check road and weather conditions
Related Information
Highlights
Location