Waptus Lake trail to Salmon La Sac

The Waptus River, a significant tributary of the Cle Elum, offers a distinctive Class II-III boating experience in a wilderness setting that stands apart from the steeper nearby runs on the Cle Elum and Cooper Rivers. Flowing through a broad, open valley within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, the Waptus delivers nearly continuous rapids without major drops, making it an ideal destination for intermediate packrafters seeking a remote adventure that is still accessible as a day trip. The river’s wide channel and minimal sweepers make navigation manageable, while its steady gradient and fun whitewater provide ample excitement. With its clear, cold waters during the typical June snowmelt season, and an approximately 3 mile hike-in approach that limits usage, the Waptus is a rewarding blend of solitude, backcountry travel, and fun whitewater. The run begins with continuous Class II rapids, interspersed with straightforward Class III sections formed by bedrock ledges. Midway through the journey, paddlers encounter “Little Zeta,” a tight, Z-shaped rapid that marks the most challenging spot on the route. From there, fun and splashy rapids continue all the way to the confluence with the Cle Elum River above China Point. Here, it's important to stay right to avoid the infamous “Waptus Hole.” Once on the Cle Elum, boaters can enjoy the Class III-IV China Gorge section, which provides a fun and challenging finale to the trip and continues downstream to Salmon La Sac. Access: From I-90, take exit 80 and head toward Roslyn/Salmon La Sac (those arriving from the east can take exit 84). From the freeway, it’s 20 miles to the Salmon La Sac Campground, mostly along Highway 903. Cross the Cle Elum River bridge at the entrance to the campground and park upstream, river right of the bridge. This is the take-out, located on the Cle Elum. To reach the Waptus River, continue on foot from the take-out on the Cle Elum River a short distance on the road to the Salmon La Sac trailhead. From there take the Waptus Lake Trail. The approach hike is approximately 3 miles to the confluence with Hour Creek in the heart of a remote, roadless valley within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.