This run is characterized by an impressive gorge that can be enjoyed by intermediate paddlers. It can be paddled by itself or as a continuation of the
Middle Dosewallips run. Just keep in mind that the land at Six-Mile Bridge including the shoreline adjacent to the Pinch is private property. The river flows on rain events through the winter, typically beginning in November, and can continue on snowmelt through the first part of summer on a good snow pack year.
Below the Pinch, the river consists of a few miles of nearly continuous class II/III whitewater with a few fun but short class III rapids. There are waves, small ledges, short boulder gardens, and little holes. Be cautious of wood hazards--it's not uncommon to have a portage or two. About halfway through the run at Wilson Creek you will encounter one of the better playspots on the run at a fun little hole, and then you will enter an impressive gorge section characteristic of the Olympic Peninsula rivers. There is a rapid at the entrance and then the walls close in around you. When the ground is saturated an impressive waterfall flows off the gorge rim that you can paddle through. As you look downstream the river flows straigh into a bedrock wall, but makes a hard turn to the left before opening up. It's a short section of just a few hundred yards but it's a very beautiful place and one of the most accessible gorge sections on the Olympic Peninsula for intermediate paddlers.
There are a few more rapids after the gorge but the pace begins to slow as the water calms down to class I/II and river-side homes begin to appear. If there were a take-out option here most would probably exit the river at the end of the gorge, but it's all private property. As you approach Hood Canal, the channel becomes braided and although there are a few strong eddy lines the rapids are basically over. Once you exit the gorge, expect to take about half an hour to reach the take-out at Dosewallips State Park. Stay alert for log hazards which are prevelant in the lower section. Sometimes you can get through without having to portage, but in other years you may encounter a river-wide log hazard or two.
ACCESS: From Highway 101 mile 306.0 turn up Dosewallips River Road (FR 2610). To reach the put-in follow this road 5.9 miles to FR 2620 (unmarked) which is the turn-off for Six-Mile Bridge. Follow this road 0.1 mile down to the bridge. Watch for dogs. From the signs along the road you might think you are on a private driveway but it is in fact a public Forest Service road. Stop on the bridge to check out The Pinch, but avoid the private property that includes the land on both sides of the bridge and down to the river. To find public access continue across the bridge and immediately turn left onto a short 2610-010 spur road that dead ends within 100 yards. Hike a short distance down this spur road to avoid private property. Please do not put in directly under the bridge which is private property. If you want to run the Pinch you can continue up FR 2610 about to mile 6.3 and a Forest Service parcel with a two-car pull-out where you can climb down to the river and put in for a few extra class IV rapids. It is a nice alternate option for more experienced paddlers in a group of mixed ability where less experienced paddlers can join in below the bridge. To reach the take-out, return to Highway 101 and go 1 mile south across the Highway 101 Bridge to
Dosewallips State Park. You can turn west into the campground to access the river at the Highway 101 Bridge on river right. If the campground is closed, turn east and head for the access on the downtream river left side of the Highway 101 Bridge.
for additional information see:
- Korb, G. 1997. A paddlers guide to the Olympic Peninsula. third edition.
- Bennett, J. and T. Bennett. 1997. A guide to the whitewater rivers of Washington, second edition. Swiftwater Publishing. Portland, OR.
- Hood Canal Ranger District, North -
USFS Olympic National Forest web site
- Washington State Parks -
Dosewallips State Park