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Wenatchee River: Leavenworth to Cashmere

Packraft big roller-coaster waves and big bouncy holes on the sunny Wenatchee River. Difficulty ranges from Class III at lower to middle flows to Class III+ / Class IV- at higher flows.

Flow

  • NOAA Northwest River Forecast Center 10 Day Forecast: WENATCHEE − AT PESHASTIN (PESW1)
  • NOAA Northwest River Forecast Center Extended 45-120 Day Outlook: WENATCHEE--AT PESHASTIN
  • 1,500 - 8,000 cfs (Class III); 8,000 – 14,000 cfs (Class III+); 14,000 – 20,000 cfs (Class III+ – IV-)

Put-Ins

  • Icicle Road Bridge (RM 26.4): At the upstream end of Leavenworth, access on river left downstream of the bridge is managed by the City of Leavenworth.
  • Leavenworth Public Boat Launch / Trout Unlimited Park (RM 24.5): The most commonly-used put-in. In Leavenworth, upstream of the Highway 2 bridge across the Wenatchee on river right. Follow East Leavenworth Road 0.7 mile to the public access with a big parking area.
  • Peshastin (RM 19.3): Turn off Highway 2 east onto Main Street and cross the bridge over the river, then turn right onto School Street. Continue past the school on gravel road to the WDFW river access on river left. Discover Pass required.

Take-Outs

  • Riverside Park in Cashmere (RM 10.0): The most commonly-used take-out. Exit Highway 2 onto Aplets Way, turn left onto E Pleasant Avenue, then left onto Riverside Drive to Riverside Park. Flush toilets and water.
  • Wenatchee River County Park in Monitor (RM 5.5).

On the River

This run is one of the most popular commercial rafting trips and the excellent play spots also draw many kayakers; weekends are likely to be busy.  Rapids and notable surfing and play spots are described in detail in the three resources listed below. Portage Dryden Dam at mile RM 17.7 on river right.

Resources

  • American Whitewater: Wenatchee 3 – Leavenworth to Cashmere
  • A Guide to the Whitewater Rivers of Washington, 1997, 2nd ed. Jeff and Tonya Bennett. Swiftwater Publishing, Portland, OR.
  • Washington Whitewater, 1992. Douglass A. North. The Mountaineers Press, Seattle, WA.
  • Difficulty: Class III River, Class III+ River
  • Length: 14.5 mi
  • Land Manager: Land Manager Varies
  • Parking Permit Required: see Land Manager
  • Recommended Party Size: 12
  • Maximum Party Size: 12
  • Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
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