Sol Duc River Packrafting

The sections are listed on how they are numbered on the American Whitewater website: Sol Duc - 2. FR 2918 Bridge to Klahowya Campground | American Whitewater

FLOW

• DOE Gauge: Sol Duc River Nr. Quillayute
• 20-26ft High Runnable. Corresponds to approximately 3,200 to 10,000 cfs. Fast catch-on-the fly surfing.
• 18-20ft Medium Runnable. Corresponds to approximately 1,300 to 3,200 cfs.
• 16-18ft Low Runnable. Corresponds to approximately 350 to 1,300 cfs. 

put-ins and take-outs

2. FR 2918 Bridge to Riverside

• Put-In: GPS coordinates 48.04760, -123.97186
• Take-Out: GPS coordinates 48.06101, -124.13215
• Length: about 11 miles
• Average gradient: about 28 feet per mile
• This is a class 3 whitewater run with easy access at a dirt ramp off of FS Road 2918 and easy exit via a dirt ramp along Hwy 101 just west of Klahowya Campground. This section has two rapids that are generally class 3 in difficulty, and numerous class 2 or 2+ rapids. Some of the rapids put paddlers dangerously close to wood hazards, so while the overall difficulty level is class 3 or less, the consequences of a swim in the wrong place could be catastrophic. Constant vigilance is required. Good boat handling skills are required. Even eliminating the class 3 rapids, this is definitely not a beginner run.
• The river water is very clear, the scenery is excellent with hemlock, fir, big leaf maple, alders, other vegetation, plus possible ducks, kingfishers, deer, and other wildlife. There are some houses along this stretch but not enough to detract from the forest experience.

3. Riverside to Hilstrom Road Boat ramp

• American Whitewater website: Sol Duc - 3. Klahowya Campground to Bear Creek | American Whitewater
• Put-In: GPS coordinates 48.06101, -124.13215
• Take-Out: GPS coordinates 48.06182, -124.23398
• Length: 7.8 miles
• Average gradient: about 23 feet per mile
• This section has a lot of class 1+ or 2- rapids, with a couple of solid class 2 rapids. It also has a lot of small surf waves at lower flows. Characteristics of this section are very simlar to the section upstream, except the rapids are generally easier. Scenery is still excellent as in the run upstream. Water quality is excellent, clear and cold. The take-out is a small concrete strip ramp that might be a little hard to notice unless you are looking for it.

This photo of a massive Big Leaf Maple dripping with moss is typical of the scenery in the Olympic NP rainforest. 

• Suitable Activities: Packrafting
• Seasons: January, February, March, April, May, October, November, December
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Class III River, Class II River
• Length: 18.0 mi

• Land Manager: Olympic National Forest
• Parking Permit Required: Northwest Forest Pass
• Recommended Party Size: 8
• Maximum Party Size: 8
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 8