Kalama, Washington, US

3. Lower Kalama Falls to Modrow Road (Kalama Falls Hatchery to Red Barn (Indian Creek))

Lower Kalama River

Lower Kalama River
Photo by Thomas O'Keefe В© taken 01/04/08

River Description

If you are in the area and looking for a quick whitewater fix this is a great little run easily accessible off I-5. From the put-in using the fishermen's trail that heads down to the river below Lower Kalama Falls, the river heads right into the biggest rapids on the run. The first couple rapids rate class III to IV depending on flows. After that things start to taper off with a few more fun rapids until the canyon walls start to peel away. Once the road comes into view on river right you are soon at the first take-out option which is Red Barn (a big red barn located near the confluence with Indian Creek).

You can take-out here if you're just doing a short trip or want to run another lap. Alternatively you can continue downstream as far as Modrow Road. This section is mostly class I/II with a few riffles and headwalls near the start that soon taper off. Marietta Falls is a scenic waterfall that cascades in from river left and you get a great view from the river.