Whitewater Packraft - Nisqually River: McKenna to Yelm Hydro Plant

We will relocate to another class 2 or 3 river in the area if flows are either too high or too low.

The pace will be based on the speed of the current, with emphasis on playing the river features as much as time, conditions, and energy allow.

My intent is to scout the more difficult rapids from shore.

The group should stay together, and constantly be alert for hazards, especially wood in the river. All participants should maintain awareness of the rest of the group.

Bring a lunch, including hot drinks or food if you wish. We will take at least one shore break with a lunch. Other shore breaks as needed, including likely scouting a couple of rapids.

If you are paddling a self-bailing packraft without a spray deck, you should probably wear extra clothing layers under your drysuit.

Meet at 10:00 AM at the take-out, Yelm hydro plant at 46.975897, -122.635917, elevation approximately 114 feet.

Be ready to run shuttle by 10:30 AM

At the take-out, we will likely consolidate into as few vehicles as possible to drive to the put-in at Yelm, 46.933037, -122.559203, elevation approximately 294 feet. That will allow us to leave as many vehicles as possible at the take-out. After the trip, the vehicles at the take-out will take the drivers back to the upstream vehicles at the put-in.