Sauk River: White Chuck River to Darrington
A classic Class III+ river section in the North Cascades near Glacier Peak and the Mountain Loop Highway. It can be run most of the year.
FLOW
- NOAA Gauge: SAUK--NEAR SAUK (SAKW1)
- 1,500 - 2,000 cfs: Low but still very fun.
- 2,000 - 6,000 cfs: Runnable.
- 6,000 - 15,000 cfs: Runnable with caution.
- The SAUK--ABOVE WHITE CHUCK (WCHW1) NOAA gauge is directly above the put-in. It may give additional information on the river's state, but there are no recommend flow ranges based on this gauge.
PUT-INs
- White Chuck Boat Launch: Turn onto Forest Road 22, cross the White Chuck River bridge, and find parking for about 12 cars and bathrooms.
- Rocky Road: Park at the Beaver Lake Trailhead and carry boats along the trail until it is easy to access the river. This launch point is above the Rock Road rapid.
TAKE-OUTs
- Backman County Park: Take the Clear Creek Road to this boat launch and parking area. There is space for about 8 cars. There are no Toilets.
- Darrington: On the southwest side of the Sauk Prairie Road bridge over the Sauk River is a dirt parking area. The boat launch is under the bridge. The river may also be accessed on the southeast side of the bridge.
ON THE RIVER
This is a great Class III run with continuous rapids from Class II to Class III+. This section can be run at a wide range of river flows. The minimun recommend flow is 2,000 cfs, but it can be run at lower flows bumping over rocks. This makes it a run that can be done through the summer and fall.
Notes
- When this run is too high for your comfort, the Silly Stilly may be in good flow and is of very similar character.
- The Whirlpool rapid may be scouted from the road at a small pullout.
- Learn more on American Whitewater's Sauk: 2 - Whitechuck River to Darrington web page
- Suitable Activities: Packrafting
- Seasons: Year-round
- Weather: View weather forecast
- Difficulty: Class III+ River
- Length: 10.5 mi
- 1,025 ft
-
Land Manager:
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Darrington Ranger District (MBSNF)
- Parking Permit Required: see "Put-Ins" & "Take-Outs" sections (above)
- Recommended Party Size: 12
- Maximum Party Size: 12
- Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
- Green Trails Mountain Loop Highway No. 111SX
Upcoming Activities
Whitewater Packraft - Sauk River: White Chuck River to Darrington
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