Hardest rapid (III+) is the final 0.4 mile below the Ed Banks bridge to the Cossatot River. There is 35 feet of drop in this final section. There are several class II-III rapids along the run, some of which offer interesting slot moves. While there are no large vertical drops, you will encounter lots of small ledges and boulder gardens. The run is very 'pool drop' in nature.
This run is a good warm-up creek for those wanting to try
Baker Creek in the future. Optional run for those not wanting to run the
Cossatot Falls at higher levels.
Put-in: Take the first road to the South (Polk County #33) on the West side of the Hwy 246 bridge over the Cossatot. Put-in at the first low water bridge.
Take-out: Ed Banks Road access on the Cossatot, reached by taking first road to the right on the East side of the Hwy 246 bridge over the Cossatot. Signs will direct to Ed Banks, Sandbar Bridge, Falls and Hwy 278 access points. Optional take out is to paddle down the Cossatot to the Falls or Hwy 278 access.