Kayaking at the Gateway to Recreation

By Robert Yount

Whether it's the heart-stopping thrill of whitewater rapids or the peacefulness of paddling on a quiet lake in the early hours of the morning, you'll find your ideal kayaking adventure lies not far from the small town of Entiat, Washington. This town, long known as the "gateway to recreation", is in the very center of many ideal kayaking lakes and rivers.

Let's start with one of the most wild and adventuresome -- the Chelan River. For decades this four-mile long river bed has been dry, but has now suddenly been thrust into the national kayaking spotlight as the Chelan PUD has agreed to allow kayakers to run it on two separate weekends in July, 2009 and July and September, 2010.

Although short, it has more thrills than most of us our willing to endure. Given that the treacherous three-tenths long section through the Chelan Gorge is rated Class VI, this opportunity is only for experts. Me? I hope to be on the banks with my camera as those willing to accept the risks dare to run it.

At the other end of the spectrum -- where I'm at -- are the more peaceful waters of Lake Entiat and Lake Chelan, although it should be noted that even these lakes can be quite a challenge when the wind kicks up. The northern 30 miles of Lake Chelan are particularly ideal for an extended kayaking adventure.

Bring your gear and plan on staying overnight along the way at one of several camping spots accessible only by water. One of my favorites is the Domke Falls Campground, located about 10 miles south of Stehekin. If you have extra time, be sure to take the hike up past the falls to Domke Lake. There are many great photo ops along the way.

Lake Entiat also lends itself to extended overnight adventures. The Chelan PUD maintains numerous campgrounds along its shores. With a little advance planning, one could spend a night at each of these parks over a several day period. Alternatively, put-in at the Entiat City Park and take a few hours to explore the local shores of Entiat and the mouth of the Entiat River.

The Entiat River has several excellent runs for different levels of ability and without the crowds of other rivers emptying into the Columbia River. The lower 12-mile stretch from Stelico to the confluence with the Columbia offers a pleasant paddle with fairly consistent Class II rapids and the occasional Class III drop. Scenery along the way includes many small farms and orchards and you can watch how the vegetation changes dramatically from forest to desert as you get closer to the Columbia.

An upper 3-mile section of the Entiat River runs from Lake Creek Campground to the National Forest Boundary. The rapids through the canyon are Class IV+, but it calms down for the final couple of miles to Class II or III. You will likely have the river to yourself as many kayakers opt instead to run the nearby Wenatchee River.

By far the most popular river for both kayaking and rafting in this part of Central Washington is the Wenatchee River. The Wenatchee River Festival is held each year in mid-June and includes a down river race, beer garden, silent auction and kayaking film presentation. Along some 60 miles of the Wenatchee you'll find a range of adventures.

Choose the 19-mile run from Lake Wenatchee to Tumwater Canyon for an enjoyable Class II route. Run Tumwater Canyon to Leavenworth for 7 miles for a thrilling Class IV-V outing that won't soon be forgotten. From Leavenworth to Monitor enjoy 18-miles of Class III rapids and from Peshastin Creek to Cashmere is the Class II-III 10-mile run.

Whichever route you choose, be sure to go prepared and research current conditions before you put-in. If you're inexperienced, contact one of the many guiding services in the area. They'll be able to help you get the experience to learn this exciting sport and provide all the equipment you'll need for a safe and thoroughly fun adventure!