Whitewater Packraft - Nisqually River: McKenna to Yelm Hydro Plant

This trip went smoothly with all participants being experienced paddlers. Weather was in the mid to high 40's, with some light rain. 

The flow of 1930 CFS was pretty much perfect for this run. Not bony, not pushy, with numerous small waves, holes, and surf spots. The one class 3 rapid is just below a "log island", which is a large log jam in the middle of the river. We chose to go left of the log island, then quickly move to the right shore to scout the class 3 rapid just below the log island. This class 3 rapid has a class 2 line through it more or less as follows: start right center, move right to avoid a hole in river center, ferry back to river left to avoid another hole in river center and rocks on river right, and finish the rapid on the left. We scouted this rapid from the right, but it could also be scouted from the left. There are multiple routes through this rapid at this flow, with more or less excitement depending on the route chosen.

The powerhouse is obvious when you get it, but at this flow of 1930 CFS the current is moving pretty fast so don't miss it the narrow boat ramp take-out.