Pawcatuck River
★ Wild & Scenic
Washington Co. · 35 mi · Class I–II
607CFS/ 4.80 ft
Above Optimal→Stable
Optimal: 200–600 CFS · USGS #01118500
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USGS Gauge
National Wild & Scenic River (2019) · Pawcatuck Borderlands
The Pawcatuck River forms the Rhode Island / Connecticut border, flowing from freshwater swamps to tidal estuary at Westerly. Gentle Class I–II paddling through diverse habitats — cedar swamp, deciduous forest, salt marsh. One of the most ecologically varied short river trips in New England.
Trip sections
Upper Pawcatuck — Class I–II, freshwater swamp to forest
Westerly to Watch Hill — tidal, estuary paddling
Outfitters
Kayak Centre of Rhode Island
Pawcatuck and coastal RI paddle tours
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPSLoading forecast...
10-Year Flow Patterns
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Data Quality
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.