About
CT-RI Boundary Settled by Charles II Charter, 1662. From freshwater swamps through hardwood forest to salt marsh estuary, the Pawcatuck flows 35 miles through Washington County's borderlands between Rhode Island and Connecticut. Designated Wild & Scenic in 2019, the river runs at 380 CFS average with optimal paddling between 200–600 CFS on gauge 01118500. The upper sections offer Class I–II water through forested corridors, while the lower stretch from Westerly to Watch Hill transitions to tidal paddling through coastal marshes. The Pawcatuck Borderlands designation protects the watershed's mix of freshwater wetlands and estuarine habitat. Kayak Centre of Rhode Island provides outfitting services for sections of the river.
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and access points may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level.