The Wind River
The Wind is one of the beautiful rivers on the Washington side of the Columbia Gorge. It is well known for it's forested scenery, Class IV/V rapids, and consistent winter and spring flows.
The Upper Wind
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The Upper Wind starts in the very small hamlet of Stabler under a bridge
the crosses the river. The first mile or so is easy Class II. Just after
Patrick Creek enters on river right you'll run Initiation and begin a long
series of rapids including Ramshorn and Walls
to the Wall. The final rapid
on this section, Climax, has several possible runs depending on flow and
the most exciting is a vertical drop down the center.
After Climax, the river is fun Class III for a few miles to a take-out just before the a high bridge. To get to take out from the town of Carson, take a left one High Bridge Road just before you cross a bridge across the Wind. Then take the first right and drive slowly by some houses. This road turns to dirt and quickly winds down to a small parking are down by the river.
The Lower Wind
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This section of the Wind River is not done as often due to a portage around Shipard Falls and bigger vertical drops. The trips starts at the take out of the upper section and both sections are sometimes done in the same day.
There are many Class IV and several Class V rapids along this run that come in quick succession. The take-out is at the Highway 14 bridge near the Columbia.
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