Nisqually, Washington, US

2 - Mashel River to Mckenna

Gauge Information

River Description

FUN FACT: Mellow whitewater, big log jams, and a river all to yourself

SEASON: During winter rains

ACCESS: Getting all the way to the Nisqually is problematic as the access road is gated, but if you have any contacts in UW Forestry they might be able to get you the key (the land is part of the Pack Research Forest). To find this access road take Highway 161 south out of Eatonville until you reach the T junction with Highway 7. At this junction, you should see an unpaved road that heads west. This is the road (normally closed with a locked gate) that goes to the put-in. Note that although some maps show this road actually crossing the Nisqually, the bridge no longer exists (some concrete evidence remains). A better put-in is a bridge across the Mashel just before it dumps into the Nisqually. It is reached by taking a short spur road just before you reach the dead end at the Nisqually. If you can't get a key your only option, other than a long hike in, is to boat down the Mashel River from the Highway 7 bridge across the Mashel. To reach the take-out, Head north on Highway 7, then west on Highway 702 to the town of McKenna. Take Highway 507 south through town and take-out at the bridge across the Nisqually. There is good access on the upstream river left side of the bridge.

DESCRIPTION: If you use the Highway 7 bridge across the Mashel as your put-in you will be treated to a nice float and some gravel bar rapids through an impressive stand of low elevation forest--something you don't see very often around Puget Sound. Check the Mashel description for more information on the whitewater (upstream of Highway 7) to be found on this neat little run. Once you paddle out on to the Nisqually the power picks up considerably. There are a couple of rapids with some fun little waves and strong eddy lines within the first couple miles or so, but after that things begin to calm down a bit. You won't find anything much more difficult than class II+ but the river packs plenty of power and there are several log jam hazards that would keep novice paddlers on their toes. Much of the run flows through thick forests but as you make your way down the river you start to see more evidence of human presence along the banks.

Although the river does not provide a lot of whitewater, the access issues will mean that you will have the river all to yourself. The only hazard to be aware of is a low-head dam midway through the run. This is a very serious hazard and a definite drowning machine. It's easy to recognize as you approach from upstream and there are warning signs. The portage trail is on river right. Don't even think about paddling up to the edge for a peak.