Wind, Washington, US

3. Stabler to High Bridge

Rams Horn

Rams Horn
Photo by Thomas O'Keefe taken 11/14/10 @ low runnable level

Gauge Information

River Description

This run is one of the one of the true classics of the Columbia Gorge flowing out of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest then dropping through an impressive series of action-packed boulder gardens downstream of the community of Stabler that define this run. At lower flows this is a more technical creeking run with fun boofs and slalom moves through the boulder fields while staying alert for a couple of holes. At higher flows get ready for some continuous action-packed excitement with big waves, plenty of holes, and fast-moving current. Just be sure you know the run if you are out attemtmpting it at higher flows. Regulars can do the run in an hour or less and often shuttle back up for a second lap.

The run starts out with some good class II and III warm up rapids and when you see the river bend to the right and drop out of site through a boulder field, you are at Initiation. This is one of the longer rapids on the run but there are plenty of options to pick your way through. From this point on down to Climax you can expect fairly continous whitewater action with pools that are generous at lower flows and diminsh as flows increase.

Below Initation there is some more fun whitewater as you approach a distinct horizon line marking Ram's Horn, the biggest drop on the run. Stay left to avoid the big holes to the right.

After a couple more rapids you will approach Balls to the Wall Right marked by a short basalt wall along river right. Keep your momentum and stay alert for a good-sized hole that develops in the river right chute. Next up is Balls to the Wall Left and some more fun rapids.

The next significant horizon line, and the last on the run, is known as Climax. As flows increase a good-sized hole forms at the base of this ledge. There is a nice boof flake on the left side.

After Climax the action starts to taper off but there are a couple more fun drops before things really start to flatten out to class II. Enjoy the paddle out that includes an impressive waterfall on river right and the scenic gorge walls.

For more information and check out the Upper Wind River page on Jason Rackley's site.

Trout Creek can be used as an alternative put-in for this run, or those looking to make a longer run can continue on the Lower Wind to the Columbia River.

Logistics: From Highway 14 along head north into Carson on Wind River Road. To reach the take-out continue to mile 3.0 on Wind River Road and turn left onto High Bridge Road. Head 0.1 mile and turn right on Detour Road. Detour road winds 0.7 mile down the river. To reach the put-in, head back out to High Bride Road and continue north to Stabler. At mile 8.6 on Wind River Road turn left onto Hemlock Road, cross the river, and turn right onto Edgewater Road in 0.2 mile. In another 0.2 mile turn right on Linde Road which dead ends in about 200 yards. This takes you to an access under the Hemlock Road bridge. There is also a cabin here that groups of 6 can rent for the weekend (427-8780).