Methow, Washington, US

1. River Bend Campground to Carlton

Methow in Fall

Methow in Fall
Photo by Thomas O'Keefe В©

Gauge Information

River Description

This is a long stretch of river and there are a number of different access points. Mostly class II whitewater but beware of the ever changing wood hazards.

Starting at Riverbend Campground (river mile 75.5) the river begins its journey in the National Forest. It picks up additional flow with the Lost River and then flows through Mazama. In this stretch down to Winthrop the river flows through a dynamic floodplain where rapids and wood hazards shift from year to year. 

At Winthrop (river mile 49.8) you can find decent access on the river left side of the Highway 20 Bridge. This is just downstream of the confluence with the Chewuch River and with the enhanced flows the river flows through a wider channel with much more room to maneuver around the wood hazards that are present as log jams along the sides and at the apex of islands. The swift current takes you through a couple class II- gravel bar rapids. A few homes can be seen along the river but you will also float past several patches of intact riparian forest harboring occasional wildlife.

The access at the Twisp River confluence (river mile 40.2) is in the town park that provides a nice lawn to dry out your gear. The landing can be a little tricky at high flows. With the flow of the Twisp, the flows are further enhanced and it's a nice float down to Carlton where access can be found near river mile 27.3.