Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program Title with the National Park Service arrowhead Parknet and arrowhead


Washington Segments

National Park Service
Rivers, Trails & Conservation Assistance
909 First Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104-1060

Click segments N-Z

Photo of mountain river choked with logs

River

County

Reach

Length (miles)

Year Listed/ Updated

Potential Classification

ORVs

Description

Other States

American River

Yakima

Confluence with Rainier Fork to confluence with Bumping River

16

1993

S

S

See initial comments

 

American River

Yakima

Headwaters at American Lake to confluence with Rainier Fork in SE 1/4 of Sec. 9, T.16 N., R.11 E.

6

1993

W

S

Originates in broad, glaciated valley and flows through a narrow, winding canyon accentuated by precipitous, andesite cliffs. Cascading rapids, riffles, and white water.

 

Baker River

Whatcom

Headwaters in North Cascades National Park near Perfect Pass in NE 1/4 of Sec. 28, T.39 N., R.11 E. to Blum Creek

11

1993

W

S, F, W

Excellent winter range for deer and elk, along with bald and golden eagles. Sockeye, coho and summer and fall chinook.

 

Baker River

Whatcom

Blum Creek to Baker Lake

2

1993

S

S, F, W

See initial comments

 

Baker River

Whatcom

Entire segment within North Cascades National Park

10

1993

W

S, G, W

Provides views of Mt. Shuksan. Fed from glaciers and perpetual snow fields. Potential habitat for grizzly bear and gray wolf.

 

Big Beaver Creek

Whatcom

Entire segment within North Cascades National Park and Ross Lake National Recreation Area

13

1993

W

S, R, G, W

Views of adjacent high country including mountain peaks, forested slopes, and old growth forests. Maintained trail for hiking. Diverse wildlife.

 

Bogachiel River and North Fork

Clallam, Jefferson

The entire mainstem and North Fork from source to confluence with Soleduck River (Mainstem 44 river miles, North Fork 7 river miles)

51

1982

 

S, R, F, W

A major river on the Olympic Peninsula. The upper portion is a pristine mountain river on unroaded national park land, with steep gradients, cascades, falls, and rapids. The lower river is slower, wider and meanders through coastal forest with scattered agricultural and recreation development. Outstanding anadromous fishery. Recreational boating on lower river. Excellent water quality, although clay banks along lower river cause some discoloration. Important habitat for wildlife, including elk and bald eagles.

 

Bogachiel River and North Fork

Jefferson, Clallam

Entire segment within Olympic National Park

24

1982/ 1993

W

S, R, F, W

Undisturbed rain forest, thick mountain forests, broad river valley with views of ridges and peaks. Hiking, camping, fishing, and nature study. Good populations of anadromous salmon, steelhead and resident whitefish.

 

Buck Creek

Skagit, Snohomish

Headwaters in NE 1/4 of Sec. 4, T.33 N., R.12 E. to Glacier Peak Wilderness boundary

10

1993

S

F

Spawning habitat of spring chinook and coho salmon. Also Dolly Varden population.

 

Buck Creek

Skagit, Snohomish

Glacier Peak Wilderness boundary to confluence with Suiattle River

1

1993

S

F

See initial comments

 

Cady Creek, West

Snohomish

Headwaters in NE 1/4 of Sec. 13, T.28 N., R.12 E. to bridge in Sec. 21, T.28 N., R.12 E.

5

1993

W

W

Golden eagle nest site in drainage.

 

Cady Creek, West

Snohomish

Bridge to confluence with North Fork Skykomish River

3

1993

R

W

See initial comments

 

Canyon and South Fork Canyon

Snohomish

Boulder River Wilderness boundary to the confluence with North Fork of Canyon Creek

7

1993

S

F, W, O

See initial comments.

 

Canyon and South Fork Canyon

Snohomish

Confluence of North and South Forks of Canyon Creek to the confluence with the South Fork Stillaguamish River

12

1993

R

F, W, O

See initial comments.

 

Canyon and South Fork Canyon

Snohomish

Headwaters of South Fork Canyon Creek in NE 1/4 of Section 5, T.30N., R.9E., to the Boulder River Wilderness boundary

1

1993

W

F, W, O

Chinook, coho, pink and chum salmon and summer and winter steelhead. Canyon Creek contains dense stands of large timber and old-growth. Extensive black-tail deer winter range.

 

Canyon Creek

Whatcom

Pasayten Wilderness Boundary to point on range line between Sec. 12, R.14 E. and Sec. 17, R.16 E.

10

1993

W

S, R, F

View of high mountain ridges and peaks. Provides wide variety of non-motorized recreation opportunities. Important spawning habitat for bull, rainbow and cutthroat trout.

 

Canyon Creek

Whatcom

Point on range line between Sec. 12, R.14 E. and Sec. 17, R.16 E. to confluence with Ruby Creek in NE 1/4 of Sec. 12, T.37 N., R.14 E.

0

1993

S

S, R, F

See initial comments

 

Carbon River

Pierce

Entire segment within Mount Rainier National Park

8

1993

W, S

S, R, H

Wide, cascading, boulder strewn river. Outstanding views of Mt. Rainier. Hiking, camping, and nature viewing.

 

Carbon River

Pierce

Headwaters on Carbon Glacier on NW slopes of Mt. Ranier to Ipsut

4

1993

W

S, F

Dramatic views of Mt. Rainier; numerous cascades and waterfalls. Chinook, pink, chum and coho salmon spawn and rear.

 

Carbon River

Pierce

Isput Creek to the confluence with the Puallup River

28

1993

R

S, F

See initial comments.

 

Chilliwack River

Whatcom

Entire segment within North Cascades National Park

15

1993

W

S, R, G, F, W

Maintained backcountry trail follows much of river. Offers spectacular views of adjacent high country. Supports variety of native fish and wildlife.

 

Chiwawa River

Chelan

Headwaters to Glacier Peak Wilderness boundary in SE 1/4 of Sec. 21, T.30 N., R.16 E.

5

1982/ 1993

W

S, R, F

Towering mountain peaks, extensive snowfields and imposing valley walls with numerous rocky areas. Camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, and pleasure driving. Run of wild, unsupplemented spring chinook salmon.

 

Chiwawa River

Chelan

Glacier Peak Wilderness boundary to Goose Creek in SE 1/4 of Sec. 13, T.27 N., R.17 E.

24

1982/ 1993

S

S, R, F

See initial comments

 

Chiwawa River

Chelan

Entire length

30

1982

 

R

Relatively pristine mountain stream fed from Glacier Peak Wilderness Area; flows through mixed terrain of moderately steep valleys and wider meadows. Opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, rafting and fishing.

 

Chiwawa River

Chelan

Goose Creek to confluence with Wenatchee River in NE 1/4 of Sec. 1, T.26 N., R.17 E.

6

1982/ 1993

R

S, R, F

See initial comments

 

Cispus River

Lewis, Skamania

Entire length

52

1982

 

S, R, F

A fixed channel and braided river flowing through mainly undeveloped, heavily forested areas. Large sub-alpine meadows near the headwaters with majestic views of the Goat Rocks Wilderness. Important resident fishery resource. Considerable boating potential.

 

Cispus River

Lewis, Skamania

Source in Goat Rocks Wilderness in SW 1/4 of Sec. 27, T.12 N., R.11 E to Goat Rocks Wilderness boundary in SW 1/4 of Sec. 24, T.11 N., R.10 E

7

1982/ 1993

W

S, R, C, O

Large conifers and tower rock, a unique geologic feature. Very popular for rafting. Major travel route used by Native Americans. Prehistoric sites.

 

Cispus River

Lewis, Skamania

Goat Rocks Wilderness boundary to Gifford Pinchot National Forest boundary in SW 1/4 of Sec. 18, T.11 N., R.7 E.

40

1982/ 1993

S

S, R, C

See initial comments

 

Cispus River

Lewis, Skamania

Gifford Pinchot National Forest boundary to confluence with Cowlitz River in SE 1/4 of Sec. 31, T.12 N., R.6 E.

7

1982/ 1993

S

S, R, C

See initial comments

 

Clawah River, South Fork

Clallam

Entire segment within Olympic National Park

15

1993

W

S, F, W

Heavy, undisturbed rain forest, narrow river canyon, unpenetrated wilderness. Cross-country hiking, camping, fishing, and nature study. Numerous wildlife.

 

Cle Elum River

Kittitas

Private land boundary to Salmon La Sac Bridge in NW 1/4 of Sec. 16, T.22 N., R.14 E.

14

1993

S

S, R, H, C

See initial comments

 

Cle Elum River

Kittitas

Alpine Lakes Wilderness boundary to private land boundary at north section line of Sec. 3, T.23 N., R.14 E.

2

1993

S

S, R, H, C

See initial comments

 

Cle Elum River

Kittitas

Headwaters to Alpine Lakes Wilderness boundary in NW 1/4 of Sec. 28, T.24 N., R.14 E.

4

1993

W

S, R, H, C

Rugged peaks and steep slopes, combined with thick forests of old growth conifer and hardwoods. Deep pools and cascading rapids, riffles and waterfalls. Cultural ties with Yakima Indian Nation and substantial mining history.

 

Cle Elum River

Kittitas

Salmon La Sac Bridge to head of Lake Cle Elum Reservoir

4

1993

R

S, R, H, C

See initial comments

 

Clear Creek

Skamania

From the Trail 80 crossing in NW 1/4 of Sec. 28, T.9 N., R.7 E. to middle of Sec. 20, T.8 N., R.7 E.

6

1993

W

S, R, G

Upper section flows through deeply incised rock gorges in deep green forest setting to more open lower section. Number of waterfalls and plunge pools. Opportunities for solitude

and isolation.

 

Clear Creek

Skamania

Middle of Sec. 20, T.8 N., R.7 E. to confluence with Muddy River in SE 1/4 of Sec. 1, T.7 N., R.6 E.

4

1993

S

S, R, G

See initial comments

 

Clearwater River

Pierce

Headwaters in Clearwater Wilderness in NW 1/4 of Section 28, T.18N., R.8E. to the Clearwater Wilderness boundary

4

1993

W

F, W

Extensive black-tailed deer and elk winter range and northern spotted owl in upper river drainage. Chinook and coho spawn and rear.

 

Clearwater River

Pierce

Clearwater Wilderness boundary to the confluence with White River

6

1993

R

F, W

See initial comments.

 

Columbia River

Benton, Franklin, Grant, Yakima

From Priest Rapids Dam downstream to slack water at McNary Pool (Lake Wallula)

55

1982

 

F, W, C

The Hanford Reach is the only remaining significant free-flowing section of the Columbia River in the United States, and it represents the most diverse fish and wildlife habitat on the mid Columbia River. The area is used by bald eagles, peregrine falcons, Canada geese, and an assortment of other species, as well as a large variety of fish types. Largely undeveloped, it flows through the Hanford Nuclear Reservation. A large number of archaeological sites have been identified.

 

Cowlitz River

Lewis

Junction of Muddy and Clear Forks Cowlitz in NW 1/4 of Sec. 31, T.14 N., R.10 E. to Riffe Lake in SW 1/4 of Sec. 1, T.11 N., R.5 E.

42

1982/ 1993

R

S

   

Cowlitz River

Lewis

From its source downstream to the confluence with the Cispus River

42

1982

 

G

Fixed channel and looped meandering river draining the southeast slopes of Mt. Rainier, and carrying significant amounts of glacial debris; being a fine example of an outwash stream. Excellent fishing resource.

 

Cowlitz River, Clear Fork

Lewis, Yakima

Headwaters in Goat Rocks Wilderness in SE 1/4 of Sec. 9, T.12 N., R.11 E. to Goat Rocks Wilderness boundary in SE 1/4 of Sec. 8, T.13 N., R.11 E.

5

1993

W

S

Alpine panoramas to deep forested canyons to gravel bar-floodplain openings. Contains distinctive palisades, most spectacular

columnar and site formations in region.

 

Cowlitz River, Clear Fork

Lewis, Yakima

Goat Rocks Wilderness boundary to the confluence with the Muddy Fork of Cowlitz River in NW 1/4 of Sec. 31, T.14 N., R.10 E.

10

1993

S

S

See initial comments

 

Deception Creek

King

Headwaters at Trico Lake in SW 1/4 of Sec. 5, T.24 N., R.14 E to Alpine Lakes Wilderness boundary

10

1993

W

W, H

Black-tailed deer, black bears, furbearer habitat, and spotted owls. Within Stevens Pass Historic District which recognizes Great Northern Railroad in constructing route across Cascades.

 

Deception Creek

King

Alpine Lakes Wilderness boundary to confluence with Tye River

0

1993

R

W, H

See initial comments

 

Deer Creek

Skagit, Snohomish

Headwaters near Coney Pass in SW 1/4 of Section 23, T.33N., R.8E. to its confluence with the North Fork Stillaguamish River

24

1993

R

F, W

Supports excellent black-tailed deer winter range and northern spotted owl habitat. Known for its famous summer steelhead run. Fall and spring chinook, coho, pink and chum salmon and resident trout inhabit the creek.

 

Diobsud Creek

Whatcom, Skagit

Headwaters on Mt. Watson in SE 1/4 of Sec. 36, T.37 N., R.9 E. to south section line of Sec. 24, T.36 N., R.10 E.

8

1993

W

R, W

Black-tailed deer, bears, and mountain goats. High quality fishing opportunity.

 

Diobsud Creek

Whatcom, Skagit

South section line of Sec. 24 to confluence with Skagit River

2

1993

R

R, W

See initial comments

 

Dosewallips River

Jefferson

Olympic National Park/Olympic National Forest boundary to the National Forest/private boundary (NE 1/4 of Section 25, T.26N., R.3W.)

8

1982/ 1993

R

S, F

See initial comments.

 

Dosewallips River

Jefferson

Entire segment within Olympic National Park

14

1982/ 1993

W, S

S, R, G, F, W

Heavily forested mountain slopes, open mountain meadows, glaciers, spectacular peaks, swift-flowing river. Developed campground, extensive trail system, fishing, mountain climbing.

 

Dosewallips River

Jefferson

Olympic National Forest/private boundary to Hood Canal

6

1982/ 1993

R

S, F

   

Dosewallips River

Jefferson

Station Creek to Olympic National Park/Olympic National Forest boundary (SW 1/4 of Section 24, T.26N., R.4W.)

2

1982/ 1993

S

S, F

See initial comments.

 

Dosewallips River

Jefferson

Entire length

28

1982

 

S, G

High scenic values, especially of the surrounding Olympic Mountains. Undeveloped, wilderness stream; clear water and unrestricted flow with numerous rapids, cascades, and small waterfalls. Dense forestation and good outcrop examples of Olympic Peninsula geology. Rises in Olympic National Park. Some kayaking in lowest reaches.

 

Dosewallips River

Jefferson

From Claywood Lake in Olympic National Park to Station Creek (SE 1/4 of Section 15, T.26N., R.4W.)

12

1982/ 1993

W

S, F

Mountain meadows, lakes, snowfields, mountain peaks, tumbling water and river canyons. Four salmon species, steelhead and cutthroat trout.

 

Downey Creek

Skagit, Snohomish

Headwaters on Lizard Mtn. in NW 1/4 of Sec. 13, T.33 N., R.13 E. to Glacier Peak Wilderness boundary

10

1993

W

F, W

Diverse population of fish including spring chinook, coho salmon, summer steelhead and Dolly Varden. Northern spotted owl habitat.

 

Downey Creek

Skagit, Snohomish

Glacier Peak Wilderness boundary to confluence with Suiattle River

1

1993

S

F, W

See initial comments

 

Duckabush River

Jefferson

Entire segment within Olympic National Park

12

1982/ 1993

W

S, R, G, F, W

Heavily forested mountain slopes, views of snowcapped peaks, high tarns nestled in glacial cirques, swift-flowing river, wildflower displays, wilderness setting. Explored by O'Neil expedition of 1890.

 

Duckabush River

Jefferson

Entire length

25

1982

 

S, G

Scenic views of surrounding Olympic mountains. Undeveloped, wilderness stream; clear, unrestricted flow with numerous rapids, cascades and waterfalls. Sub-alpine meadows in the upper valley reach and very heavy forestation in the lower reaches. Rises in Olympic National Park.

 

Duckabush River

Jefferson

Point of origin near O'Neil Pass in Olympic National Park (Sec. 19, T.25 N., R.5 W.) to Olympic national Park/Olympic National forest boundary (NW 1/4 of Sec. 1, T.25 N., R.4 W.)

12

1982/ 1993

W

S, G, F

Mountain meadows, snowfields, major Olympic peaks, waterfalls, cascading water, river gorges, old-growth forests. Salmon, steelhead and sea-run cutthroat trout.

 

Duckabush River

Jefferson

National Park/National Forest boundary (NE 1/4 of Sec. 1, T.25 N., R.4 W.) to The Brothers Wilderness boundary near Little Hump (NE 1/4 of Sec. 9, T.25 N., R. 3W.)

4

1982/ 1993

W

S, G, F

See initial comments

 

Duckabush River

Jefferson

Wilderness boundary near Little Hump (NE 1/4 of Sec. 9, T.25 N., R.3 W.) to Olympic National Forest bounday (NE 1/4 of Sec. 18, T.25 N., R.2 W.)

5

1982/ 1993

S

S, G, F

See initial comments

 

Duckabush River

Jefferson

National Forest boundary (NE 1/4 of Sec. 18, T.25 N., R.2 W.) to Hood Canal (NE 1/4 of Sec. 21, T.25 N., R.2 W.)

2

1982/ 1993

R

S, G, F

See initial comments

 

Dungeness River

Jefferson, Clallam

Sleepy Hollow Creek (NW 1/4 of Sec. 8, T.28 N., R.3 W.) to Olympic National Forest boundary (NE 1/4 of Sec. 24, T.29 N., R.4 W.)

6

1993

S

S, F

See initial comments

 

Dungeness River

Jefferson, Clallam

Olympic National Forest boundary (NE 1/4 of Sec. 24, T.29 N., R.4 W.) to State fish hatchery (NW 1/4 of Sec. 12, T.29 N., R.4 W.)

3

1993

R

S, F

See initial comments

 

Dungeness River

Jefferson, Clallam

Forest Road 2860 bridge (NW 1/4 of Sec. 36, T.28 N., R.4 W) to Silver Creek (SW 1/4 of Sec. 19, T.28 N., R.3 W.)

2

1993

S

S, F

See initial comments

 

Dungeness River

Jefferson, Clallam

Confluence of Milk Creek and Heather Creek (NE 1/4 of Sec. 22, T.27 N., R.4 W.) to Forest Road 2860 bridge (NW 1/4 of Sec. 36, T.28 N., R.4 W.)

4

1993

W

S, F

High, open ridges, excellent views of Olympics, snowfields, cascading water, narrow river canyons. Spring and fall chinook, coho and pink salmon.

 

Dungeness River

Jefferson, Clallam

Silver Creek (SW 1/4 of Sec. 19, T.28 N., R.3W) to Sleepy Hollow Creek (NW 1/4 of Sec. 8, T.28 N., R.3 W.)

3

1993

W

S, F

See initial comments

 

Elwha River

Jefferson, Clallam

Entire segment within Olympic National Park

35

1993

W, S

S, R, G, F, W, H

Varied forest stands on steep mountain slopes, peaks, meadows, waterfalls, river gorges, deep pools, rapids, and wilderness setting. Hiking, camping, picnicking, boating, and fishing.

 

Entiat River

Chelan

Headwaters to Glacier Peak Wilderness boundary in SE 1/4 of Sec. 27, T.30 N., R.17 E.

12

1993

W

S

Originates in steep glaciated valley with rugged slopes and plunges in cascading rapids, riffles and falls to a meandering course in broader valley.

 

Entiat River

Chelan

Glacier Peak Wilderness boundary to Cottonwood Trailhead in SW 1/4 of Sec. 7, T.29 N., R.18 E.

4

1993

W

S

See initial comments

 

Entiat River

Chelan

Cottonwood Trailhead to private land boundary

15

1993

S

S

See initial comments

 

Grande Ronde River

Asotin (Wallowa and Union, OR)

From the confluence of the Wallowa River downstream to the confluence with the Snake River

78

1982

 

S, R, G, F

Long, high volume river flowing through steep canyons of volcanic rocks. Excellent examples of "gooseneck" meanders. Supports high quality recreational kayaking and rafting during spring runoff. Still accessible to anadromous fish--steelhead and salmon resource. The main river in the major drainage system of northeast Oregon.

OR

Granite Creek

Skagit, Whatcom

Mouth of Swamp Creek in SE 1/4 of Sec. 6, T.35 N., R.17 E. to confluence with Ruby Creek in NE 1/4 of Sec. 12, T.37 N., R.14 E.

11

1993

 

S, R, F

View of spectacular high mountain ridges and peaks. Ross Lake provides resident fish population of statewide importance. Lower portions provide spawning habitat for bull, rainbow and cutthroat trout.

 

Gray Wolf River

Jefferson, Clallam

Northwest flank of Mt. Deception in Olympic National Park (SW 1/4 of Sec. 18, T.27 N., R.4 W.) to Olympic National Park/Olympic National Forest boundary (NW 1/4 of Sec. 17, T.28 N., R.4 W.)

9

1993

W

S, G, F

High, open ridges, excellent views of Olympic Mountains, snowfields, whitewater, narrow river canyons. Spring and fall chinook, coho and pink salmon and other fish species.

 

Gray Wolf River

Jefferson, Clallam

Olympic National Park/Olympic National Forest boundary (NW 1/4 of Sec. 17, T.28 N., R.4 W.) to Forest Road 2870 (NW 1/4 of Sec. 31, T.29 N., R.3 W.)

7

1993

W

S, G, F

See initial comments

 

Gray Wolf River

Jefferson, Clallam

Forest Road 2870 (NW 1/4 of Sec. 31, T.29 N., R.3 W.) to Dungeness River (SW 1/4 of Sec. 30, T.29 N., R.3 W.)

1

1993

S

S, G, F

See initial comments

 

Gray Wolf River

Callam, Jefferson

Entire segment within Olympic National Park

10

1993

W

S, R, G, F, W

Forested mountain slopes, spectacular peaks, tarns and high subalpine lakes, numerous streams, glaciers, abundant wildflowers, and wilderness setting. Excellent hiking trails, fishing, and camping.

 

Green River

Lewis, Skamania

MSHNVM boundary to point river reenters the MSHNVM in SE 1/4 of Sec. 11, T.10 N., R.5 E.

4

1993

S

S, R, G, H

See initial comments

 

Green River

Lewis, Skamania

MSHNVM boundary to MSHNVM boundary in SW 1/4 of Sec. 32, T.11 N., R.5 E.

4

1993

W

S, R, G, H

See initial comments

 

Green River

Lewis, Skamania

Source in SE 1/4 of Sec. 31, T.10 N., R.6 E. to Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument boundary in NE 1/4 of Sec. 20, T.10 N., R.6 E.

2

1993

W

S, R, G, H

Segments within or adjacent to nationally significant Mount St. Helens NVM. Opportunities for interpretation of 1980 eruption. Old mines and remnant cabins associated with early mining district.

 

Greenwater River

Pierce

Headwaters on Castle Mountain in SW 1/4 of Section 5, T.17N., R.11E. to Norse Peak Wilderness boundary

8

1993