Nestled in between Winthrop and Pateros Washington, the Methow offers not only scenic river views with class III whitewater, but also on the drive out via Rt 20 or Rt 2.
Snapshot
Season: May-June
Difficulty: Beginner-Intermediate
Length: 17 miles
Time: 3-3.5 hours
Age: 12+
Members Fee: $40
Guests Fee: $50
Overview
The Methow is the Jekyll & Hyde of the Pacific Northwest. During the summer, fall, and winter the river becomes little more than a creek with no snowmelt to feed it. Yet in the spring, the nearby white mountians unleash a torrent that creates Class III+ whitewater. The Methow demands attention, as even in the flat sections there can still be rocks just under the surface waiting to snag a raft. The river's rapids are Black Canyon Rapids (the most intense) with several big holes to avoid in addition to the canyon wall, Staircase, Corner Rapids, Hole, Roadside Attraction, Bridge Rapids, and finally Meteorite, which at high flows becomes a massive hole!
After the rafting is over we provide club members and trip passengers the opportunity to join us at a local campground for a pot luck and BBQ.
What You'll Need:
- Sturdy shoes
- Non-cotton apparel
- Sun screen
- Day bagged lunch
- Leash/croakies for glasses
Note: The waters will be extremely cold and the air not much warmer. We strongly recommend renting/borrowing a wetsuit and waterproof shell/jacket overtop. No one who wore one complained about being cold, can't say the same for those who opted out. They can be rented from NWOC in Seattle or Kayak Academy in Issaquah.
What We'll Provide:
- Lifejacket
- Paddle
Note: Helmets are not required for this river, though they can be provided upon special request. If one person in the boat wears a helmet, everyone must wear a helmet.
Things NOT to Bring
- Glass containers
- Anything that cannot get wet