Sauk River: White Chuck River to Darrington

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
• High Point: 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