White River: Buckley to Auburn

FLOW

• NOAA Gauge: WHITE − AT R STREET (WRAW1)
• USGS Gauge: White River at R Street Near Auburn, WA - 12100490
• 750 - 1,000 cfs: low but runnable
• 1,000 - 2,000 cfs: prime runnable
• 2,000 - 3,000 cfs: high but runnable
• Gradient: 32 fpm 

PUT-IN

• SR-410 Bridge, Buckley: Park in the large pull out on the east side of SR-410 just north of the bridge. There is room for 6-8 cars. Follow the use trail down to the river, where there is a big flat area and calm eddy under the bridge. It is a bit noisy from the traffic overhead, but otherwise ideal.

TAKE-OUT

• R Street Bridge, Auburn: Located by Ballard Park at the intersection of R Street SE and 37th Way SE in Auburn (3704 R St SE, Auburn, WA 98002). There is abundant roadside parking in front of the park (overnight parking is prohibited). It is a 25 minute drive from here to the put-in. Eddying out on river left just downstream of the bridge footing is easy. It is also possible to exit river right just past the right bridge footing. 
  

ON THE RIVER

The first six miles have nearly constant Class II rapids producing fun wavetrains. The next ten miles are more braided and there are many potential wood hazards. Throughout the Muchkleshoot tribal lands in the middle reaches there are fishing nets that present entanglement hazards and are to be avoided. They are at most big eddies and are marked by swimming buoys. The action never seems to let up. There is a nice big Class II drop very near the take-out. All along the run high bluffs of glacial outwash sediments record the geologic history of this river valley. Bald Eagles are common river companions.

NOTES

• Beware of ever changing wood hazards and the need to portage.  
  
• Throughout the Muchkleshoot tribal lands in the middle reaches there are fishing nets that present entanglement hazards and are to be avoided. They are at most big eddies and are marked by swimming buoys. The action never seems to let up.
• Watch for gravel bars and pay attention to finding the deepest channel down the braided sections. 
• Water is generally turbid from glaciers on Mount Rainier making it hard to see obstacles below the water. 
• Learn more on American Whitewater's White - 3. Buckley to Auburn (Lower) web page.

• Suitable Activities: Packrafting
• Seasons: Year-round, March, April, May, June, July, October, November
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Class II River
• Length: 14.5 mi

• Land Manager: Land Manager Varies
• Parking Permit Required: see Land Manager
• Recommended Party Size: 7
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12