Hangman (Latah) Creek, Washington, US

2. Lower (Latah Lower)

Latah Lower

Latah Lower

Gauge Information

River Description

The lower Hangman can be a fun run through an urban center, especially when you know what to look for! Usually only runs when there is rapid low level snowmelt or after heavy rains.

From the put-in, expect a rapid moving sludge of brown water! The banks are mixed between nice soft brown loam, to sandy slopes and basalt! You'll float through a golf course (Qualchan at Hangman). Check out the cart bridge high up on river right - yup, it was washed out twice during floods! That means you've passed through hole 9.

Hazards you need to be very much aware of submerged artifacts (which is hard considering the lack of clarity) that include old car bodies, barbed wire, tree stumps, road construction debris, etc. So be wary of "friendly" looking holes or waves, as they may be formed by some of the aforementioned hazards. Similar to the "upper" description, it is also VERY muddy when it's flowing! Flood stage and above could be hazardous to your health! Ice dams, debris-clogged bridges, etc. have occurred.

Highlight of this run is just a bit more than halfway through. We call it Flour Power. The picture at the top of this page is Flour Power being played on.
Here's a pic at 5.5-5.7 ft

This fine and dandy play wave/hole is great fun and is accessible as a park and play. The name for this spot comes from the old flour mill that used to operate here. The site is now an architectural/engineering office, but there is a small park here. Please be considerate of private property owners. To locate this little gem, turn onto 17th st off Inland Empire way. Turn left on Chestnut and go to the bridge. The Flour Power wave is 200 yards downstream. This can be done on the shuttle. If it looks really good to you, you can park and play. Best and easiest access is at the deadend of 15 (see map). Ample parking and easy trail and put-in. Please be courteous to neighbors and discrete when changing. Paddle up river right or left one hunderd yards to Flour Power

Shuttle directions:

The take-out is located at the bridge over Hangman just upstream from its' confluence with the Spokane river. From downtown Spokane, take Riverside ave west. This will take you down the hill to the bridge over Hangman. From the take-out, return back up Riverside, turn right on Ash (south), take the west onramp to I-90, then the next off ramp to HWY 195 south. Turn off onto Hatch rd. The put-in is just downstream of the bridge over Hangman (go back Northwest along the highway to the pull out near small park.) Alternative routes can be found by clicking the map links at the top of page. Again be courteous and thoughtful of private land here. This is the fast way for the shuttle. To go the slow and "scenic" route that allows views of the creek including "Flour power", refer to a city map as the directions are difficult to describe.

Local "expert": Mick Holehog French McHolehog