Nooksack River (South Fork)

Flow

• NOAA Gauge: South Fork Nooksack--At Saxon Bridge (NSSW1)
• 500-800 CFS: low runnable
• 800-2,000 CFS: runnable

PUT-INS & TAKE-OUTS

• Cavanaugh Creek:  This access is on private land which requires a permit. A permit may be obtained at axxessrec.com or by calling 360-722-4067.  From the trailhead at Skookum Creek Bridge, hike 2.5 miles on Edfro Creek Trail past Edfro Creek and to the next side drainage. Once you reach Cavanaugh Creek, scramble down the creek a shore distance to the river. Putting in here makes a 4 mile class II+ reach to Saxon Bridge and another 4.5 miles class II- to Acme Bridge. 
• Edfro Creek:  This access is on private land which requires a permit. A permit may be obtained at axxessrec.com or by calling 360-722-4067. Hike 1.5 miles on Edfro Creek Trail from the trailhead at Skookum Creek Bridge.  Put in either at Edfro Creek on the bottom of the island or hike further on the trail to the top of the island and put in. Putting in here makes a 3 mile class II+ reach to Saxon Bridge and another 4.5 miles class II- to Acme Bridge. 
• Skookum Creek Bridge:  The end of Saxon Road just past the Skookum Creek Fish Hatchery on the left. There is roadside parking where the road ends at the bridge. Access the river by scrambling down the creekbed under the bridge a short distance to the river below. Putting in here makes a short 1.5 mile reach of class II+ to Saxon plus another 4.5 miles of class II- to Acme.
• Saxon Bridge:  This is the take out for the class II+ reach; or it can be the put in for a 4.5 river mile reach of class II- to Acme.  There is a large dirt parking lot on the south west side of the bridge.  From here, follow a trail to a small beach downstream river left of the bridge. 
• Acme Bridge:  This is the take out for the class II reach and the put in for the class I reach. On the southeast side of the bridge on Route 9 there is a large public access parking lot.  
• Van Zandt:  This is the take out for a 6.25 mile class I float from Acme.  From the river take out on the right bank under the Potter Road bridge and walk a use trail to the road.  At the road, there is limited space for 2 cars to pull off on the shoulder. However, cars cannot be left parked here. Instead, leave park cars at the public parking in Van Zandt. Parking is limited so plan to have a maximum of three cars at this takeout. 
• Confluence with North Fork:  This is the take out for an 8.5 mile class I float from Acme.  Land on the large gravel bar on river right before entering the North Fork. Cars may be driven to this gravel bar via a short dirt road that parallels SR-9 to the west; find the dirt road just south of the Rutsatz Rd turnoff on the west side of Route 9. There is ample parking here but the road is rutted and requires high clearance vehicles. 

On the River

The South Fork on the Nooksack is a smaller river with an intimate feeling.  It winds its way down from timberland in the lowlands until it flattens out by a fish hatchery and then wonders through farmland in the valley but often brushes up against the forests on either side.  

There is engineered rip-rap throughout the run and wood hazards abound and often extend far into the midst of the river.  Beware of profuse root ball and log eddies.  These don't make for fun play spots as there are rogue branches. It is somewhat creepy floating down such a highly human engineered watercourse. 

On the shuttle drive and on the class I reach there can be stunning views of the Two Sisters proudly standing to the east. 

Notes

• Wood is common so be alert and ready to scout for safe passage.  Though he paddling is generally easy, paddlers should have good boat control.
• A smaller party size is preferred to accommodate the take-out limitations—limited parking at Potter Road and high clearance at the confluence.
• Access is closed to all watercraft June 1 to October 31 to protect endangered salmon per Whatcom County Code.

Saxon to Acme reach. Logan DeGrand photographer

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

• Difficulty: Class I River, Class I-II River, Class II+ River
• Length: 17.0 mi
• High Point: 367 ft

• Land Manager: Land Manager Varies
• Parking Permit Required: see Land Manager
• Recommended Party Size: 6
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12