White Salmon Wild & Scenic River


Area Status: Open
Going down husum falls

From Gilmer Creek, near the town of B Z Corner, to Buck Creek, the Lower White Salmon is designated as Wild & Scenic. Along this stretch of the river, glacial headwaters are supplemented by seeps and springs along the canyon walls, sustaining a cold but consistent flow of water year round. The Lower White Salmon's rapids, waterfalls, and abrupt drops can challenge even the most advanced boaters. 

Husum Falls is a class V waterfall requiring a lot of experience or a guide to pass, so plan your portages and take-outs accordingly. 

Permits are required for commercial outfitters. View a list of currently permitted guides. 

You can check current river flows using the nearby U.S. Geological Survey streamgage at Underwood, but please note that the river level (stage) there is different from the river's stage as measured by the Husum gauge.

 

 

At a Glance

Fees: No Forest Service fees apply, but check our list of official commercial outfitter guides for learn more about their prices. 
Closest Towns: Underwood, WA Husum, WA

General Information

Directions:

West of White Salmon, WA along WA State Route 14.


Activities

River and Stream Fishing

Fishing for summer steelhead, salmon and trout is very popular at the mouth of this river.  Bank fishing can be crowded during August - September.  There seasonal closures dependent on fish species.  See Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website for additional information. 

Day Hiking

Areas for Day Hiking at White Salmon Wild & Scenic River

Viewing Scenery

Areas for Viewing Scenery at White Salmon Wild & Scenic River

Boating - Non-Motorized

The Lower White Salmon Wild & Scenic River offers challenging whitewater rafting and kayaking opportunities, with rapids, waterfalls, and abrupt drops best suited to advanced boaters. Husum Falls is a class V waterfall requiring a lot of experience or a guide to pass, so plan your portages and take-outs accordingly. Permits are required for commercial outfitters - click here for a list of currently permitted guides. 

Areas for Boating - Non-Motorized at White Salmon Wild & Scenic River