Basic Whitewater Packrafting Course - Field Trip #1 - Snoqualmie River: Powerhouse to Plum Landing
Sat, Mar 22, 2025
Conditions report for this field trip at high water
Conditions report for this field trip at high water
Originally intended as a West Tiger 1-2-3, due to previous illness and rain/snow, we modifed this to TMT - Tiger 2-3 and included Talus Rocks, a beautiful, new-to-most stop. 18 bird species (including 2 pileated woodpeckers), and first buds including yellow violet, trillium, and sweet coltsfoot.
Three destinations in one afternoon with short drives between each, encompassing views, history and a beach!
The Monumental Loop is an awesome and challenging route! We did the North Loop in 3 days and began the South Loop but could not complete it as it was cut short abruptly by a serious accident.
A great day for birding the Montlake Fill. Many of the wintering ducks have gone and some of the returning songbirds have appeared. No Osprey, Turkey Vultures, nor Rufous Hummingbirds today.
At 880cfs this is a pushy class II-. Too fast for good practice. Below 700cfs would expose more rocks and make easier practice.
A challenging but fun winter scramble to Silver Peak via Annette Lake trail. We made the best of it despite the weather.
Low coverage was an issue and snow quality wasn't great, but I still had a fun time! Skied up to Tronsen Head.
8th & final conditioning hike with an enthusiastic group (and one fairy nymph) on a drippy day.
Middle Fork - unexpected views and better weather than predicted
This was a successful crag trip to the Feathers at Vantage. For many students, it was their first outing climbing in the great outdoors.
A fine spring paddle around Ketron Island and over to Oro Bay with a great group of paddlers.
Late season XC skiing -- get it in while it lasts!
The Palmer gauge was reading 2,200 CFS. This was a Class III reach at this level. We put in at Franklin bridge and took at at Flaming Geyser. River time was 2.5 hours. Very fun, active, level.
After a long stretch of wet days in the region we were greeted with perfect weather. The last mile before the summit became a winter wonderland. The views were mesmerizing as we stood above clouds in awe of a panoramic view of snowy peaks, Lake Cushman, Hood Canal, and Mt. Rainier in the distance.
Lovely area to paddle. This is where the Penn Cove mussels are commercially grown and harvested. The commercial facility is just east of Coupeville along the southern area of Penn Cove. Coupeville is also a cute town to view from the water.
3 waterfall route at a brisk pace. Water gushing over the falls.