The Sams River is a remote and challenging whitewater run defined by three distinct gorges—*Yosemite Sam*, *Son of Sam*, and *Play it Again Sam*—each offering a unique flavor of challenge. The action begins immediately with a class IV drop near the put-in at the 500 Spur Bridge, quickly escalating into the first gorge, *Yosemite Sam*, which holds the river’s most difficult and committing whitewater. This section features sustained class IV/IV+ rapids, including a major class V drop, and demands precise scouting or portaging. Once through, paddlers are likely to face a mile of log-choked river requiring several portages around large wood.
The second gorge, *Son of Sam*, is shorter but still packs a punch, culminating in a technical drop beneath a dramatic log-choked falls. Afterward, the river eases into a boulder-strewn stretch of class III rapids—straightforward at higher flows but rocky at low water—before tightening again into *Play it Again Sam*. This final gorge offers more moderate whitewater with and opportunities to enjoy the dramatic scenery. Though slightly mellower than the earlier sections, it still includes ledge drops and occasional wood hazards, rounding out a diverse and adventurous run.
Access: The put-in can be reached from Highway 101 mile 137.5 where you take FR 21 east (this is also marked as West Boundary Road). Follow FR 21 to mile 8.2 and turn left onto FR 2180. Follow this road approximately 7 miles to the end. From here it is a couple mile hike down the old road (now decommissioned), bear left at the Y, and head towards the river along the route of the old 500 spur road which crosses the river at the old bridge serving as the put-in. To add another gorge, skip the 500 spur road, and continue hiking along the old bed of FR 2180. Continue 2.5 miles from the Y and follow the creek down to the river. To reach the take-out backtrack out towards the point where we got on FR 2180 and look for the FR 2180-100 spur (aka Q2100) and follow the signs for the Queets Campground that serves as the take-out where Sams joins the Queets River. For current information on roads check the
Olympic National Forest web site (check rec reports for Pacific Ranger District - South), or call the USFS/NPS Resource Information Center in Forks 360-374-7566 or the USFS Ranger District office in Quinault 360-288-2525.
for additional information see
- Korb, G. 1997. A paddlers guide to the Olympic Peninsula. third edition.
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Olympic National Park web site
- Pacific Ranger District, South - \
USFS Olympic National Forest web site\