This short, road-accessible run on the Cle Elum River is a great option for beginner paddlers looking for continuous but forgiving whitewater. It’s an excellent warm-up or introductory run, especially for those developing boat control in moving water, with plenty of eddies and channels to explore. Flowing on snowmelt, it typically runs during June, with the best conditions during moderate runoff. Even on warm days, the river can be extremely cold during snowmelt season—paddlers should dress appropriately in cold water gear and be prepared for cold-water immersion.
The put-in is at Salmon La Sac Campground, just below the Class III rapid that marks the end of the more challenging China Gorge section upstream. This rapid is also the site of the League of Northwest Whitewater Racers' annual slalom race and serves as the traditional start for the downriver race, held each June since 1962.
From the campground to the Cooper Road (FR 46) Bridge, the river offers nearly continuous action over gravel bars and around large boulders, interspersed with calm recovery pools. At moderate flows, these features create fun, manageable rapids ideal for skill-building. A standout feature is the bedrock ledge just downstream of the bridge—easily scouted or viewed from the road. The run continues down to the Forest Road 4308 Bridge. The river disappears into the slackwater of the reservoir shortly past this bridge.
Access: From I-90, take exit 80 and head toward Roslyn and Salmon La Sac (those arriving from the east can take exit 84). After 2.7 miles, you’ll reach Highway 903—turn left (north). At this point, you’re at mile 4.2 on Highway 903, which becomes Salmon La Sac Road. Continue through Roslyn and past Cle Elum Reservoir to mile 17.4, where you’ll reach the turn-off for FR 4308 and the bridge—this is a good take-out. To reach the put-in, return to Salmon La Sac Road and continue up to mile 21 and the bridge at Salmon La Sac Campground.