Trip Report
North Fork Nooksack River
Flow was in the range of 750-780 CFS while we were on the water. This was a relaxed level. Floated campground to green bridge in 1.5 hrs. Then did a rerun of the canyon from campground to Glacier take out in 45 minutes.
Logan DeGrand
- Sat, Aug 3, 2024
- Nooksack River (North Fork)
- Packrafting
- Successful
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- Road suitable for all vehicles
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There is a riverwide strainer at the Horseshoe Bend Campground put in just below the bridge. Walk downstream past two camp sites, then there is a nice walkway down at the third campsite. Be courteous and single file.
The strainer remains at the bottom of the Nozzle. The root ball is stuck high on a boulder so it looks like it will be there for a long time. On the first run we portaged the Nozzle on river left. Second time down we set up safety throwers and one paddler ran the nozzle. It was a piece of cake. The water did not push into the wood at the bottom. However, a swim up above could be disastrous.
No other strainers. Flow was noticeably weaker than at 850 CFS. Sweet spot is said to be at 700 - 800 CFS. Below 600 could get very boney and technical. Above 1,000 would be pushy and self re-entry mandatory.
Great relaxed class III run at this level. Views of Baker are sublime. Water was not as cold as thought to be. One thin layer under the dry suit. Bare hands.