Snoqualmie River Whitewater Rafting
Risk Classification: Class 3-4
Guest Ability Level: Intermediate-Advanced
30 Miles from Seattle
Snoqualmie River Rafting Trip Details
Meeting Location : Torguson Park, 750 E North Bend Way, North Bend, WA 98045
Pack List: (click here)
Risk/Difficulty: Class 3-4 (intermediate-advanced) (explanation here)
Exertion Level: Somewhat Hard (50%), Very Hard (50%) (explanation here)
Normal Season (Rafting): April-July
Normal Season (Inflatable Kayaks): June-July
Updated River Conditions (click here)
Length of trip: 7 miles
Duration of trip: 1.5-2.5 hours on the river depending on river flow. 2.5-3.5 hours total (includes safety talk and shuttle ride)
Minimum age: 14 with prior whitewater experience; 18 with no whitewater experience.
Minimum weight: 90lbs
Safety Protocol: Continuous whitewater safety protocol, including safety kayakers if necessary (usually in high water or on smaller trips) and trip leaders with advanced medical training. Two-craft minimum for each trip. Also included are Swiftwater rescue kits, medical trauma kits, and emergency communication devices.
Paddles/helmets required: Yes/Yes
Wetsuits required: Yes
Type of Life Jacket required: Type 5 (guests cannot bring their own PFD's)
Liability Waiver Required prior to trip: Yes (online here)
Special Note: Washington State does not have a government-operated guides-and-outfitters licensing board. Whitewater Classification is subjective and often misleading. If you do not fully understand the classification for yourself, it is best not left up to chance. What is often referred to as "Class 5" whitewater is considered Class 3 or 4 by other, often more experienced, boaters who have a larger and more apt perspective on the matter. For a closer study of river difficulty and risk, please visit our safety informative page.
Classification and Risk Analysis of the Snoqualmie River
Number of significant rapids (Class 3 or higher) at normal flows: 6
Generalized classification of river by American Whitewater: Class 3+
Most significant rapid: House Rock (Class 3-4)
Major risks to human safety according to our in-house analysis: 1. hypothermia 2. strainers (wood) 3. flush drowning 4. blunt trauma (rocks)
If you would like to read more about hypothermia risk and cold-water immersion, please click here.
If you would like to read a short breakdown on whitewater risks, please click here.
About the Snoqualmie River
This is our foremost offering for those who need a fast escape from the rigors of daily life in the city. The Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Whitewater Rafting trip is a classic Intermediate level Western Washington whitewater run and is the closest available whitewater adventure to downtown Seattle. Our half-day Snoqualmie River rafting trip features technical whitewater run with boulder gardens that weave through wild wooded scenic escapes while being only 30 miles from Seattle. The river section that we utilize for whitewater is located above Snoqualmie Falls on what we call the "middle middle," which is the center section of the river’s middle fork, located just outside of North Bend, Washington.
The Snoqualmie River originates from several high mountain lakes in the Cascade mountains to the west of Snoqualmie Pass. While being the closest whitewater run to Seattle, it also boasts some of the best wave running in the early summer. The Snoqualmie is a popular kayaking river almost year-round and is a treasure to those who spend time in its pristine, clear, natural, undammed river flows. This is a great river to get both a thrilling whitewater ride as well as escape the city for a short adventure and be back in time for dinner.
This river has many of the characteristics of one of our favorite whitewater runs in Washington State: the Sauk. With consistent and at times continuous class 3 "boogie water," the Snoqualmie keeps your heart pumping throughout the first three miles of winding river, as it explores an ancient river canyon and dramatic views of Western Washington forests. The "crux" of the run comes in a set of rapids known as "House Rocks.” A legitimate Class 4 rapid at most flows, House Rocks requires precise maneuvering from the guide and strong and concise paddling from the crew.
Things to do near the Snoqualmie
Only half an hour outside Seattle, the Snoqualmie River area is Central Cascades wilderness at its best. From sweeping mountaintop views to burbling waterfalls nestled in old growth forest, this area has something for everyone, from the dedicated peak bagger to the first-time hiker. It is well worth taking a day or a weekend after your Snoqualmie River rafting trip to explore.
Hiking & Trail Riding
For those who want an easy meander through verdant old growth, the 2.6-mile round trip Twin Falls trail takes a scenic route along the river before heading up a short hill to the Lower and Upper Falls. For sweeping views of Mt. Si, Rattlesnake Lake, and the Cedar River Watershed, Rattlesnake Ledge is a moderately difficult trail with a few switchbacks that take you up about 1000 feet in elevation over two miles. If you really want some elevation gain, Mt. Si has a bit of everything—old growth forest, alpine views, and 3000 feet of elevation gain in four miles. Those who reach the summit are rewarded with a panorama of forests and mountains, with Rainier rising above all on the horizon.
Camping and Accommodations
If you’re looking to extend your trip to the wilderness, the North Bend area offers two great campgrounds. The Middle Fork Campground has 39 sites, toilets and drinking water. Set in a lovely stretch of forest along the middle fork of the Snoqualmie River, this campground is located near many of the area’s trailheads. The Denny Creek campground, one of the oldest in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, is within walking distance of three trails and has flush toilets. For those who want their flush toilets connected to a room, the Roaring River Bed and Breakfast just outside North Bend has great river views and hot breakfast delivered right to your door.
If you aren’t getting food delivered right to your door, North Bend has a decent selection of restaurants. If all you need is caffeine, Pioneer Coffee Co is the place to stop. Il Paesano Ristorante is a fancier stop, owned by a local Italian family. If a classic burger and beer is more your style, try Brickyard Brewing North Bend Public House. For those of you who appreciate a nice cocktail and a steak, we encourage you to check out the Iron Duck in downtown North Bend; the Iron Duck has a nice outdoor seating area and a creative menu you’ll love to try after your Snoqualmie whitewater rafting adventure.
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