Tieton River

3/4 day, September

Rimrock to Bear Canyon

13 miles, difficulty III

Cost $75.

 

Each September, when all the other rivers are low, we look forward to rafting the Tieton River. The Tieton offers prime end of season river rafting as irrigation water is released from Rimrock Lake Dam for the orchards in the Yakima Valley and the salmon run up the Yakima River. Only 45 minutes west of Yakima, this 13 mile stretch of whitewater is swift running, dropping 50 feet per mile with constant Class III rapids and numerous camping facilities along shore. Every autumn, when the mountain air is brisk we're camped out there from the Labor Day weekend through September. Combine great scenery with steady whitewater, and you've got a recipe for a great time. The trip begins in pine-forested canyon, bright with fall colors and gradually becomes more open sagebrush country with dramatic basalt formations rising abruptly from the river.

 

Previous experience is not required, but please don't confuse the Tieton run with a float trip on the Yakima. We're talking whitewater here and our professional guides will make your Tieton River ride one of the most enjoyable outdoor experiences you've ever had. Lunch is not provided on this trip, there's nowhere to stop! Our trips on the Tieton are conducted under special use permits granted by the Wenatchee National Forest.