Tieton River
Yakima Co. · 25 mi · Class III–IV
346CFS/ 73.28 ft
Below Optimal
Stable
Optimal: 1500–3000 CFS · USGS #12488500
Flow data is live from USGS·Rapid classifications and CFS ranges need community verification·Know this river?
25 mi
Length
Class III–IV
Difficulty
1500–3000 cfs
Optimal
1,800 cfs
Avg Flow
1,600 cfs
Hist. Median
#12488500
USGS Gauge
Wenatchee National Forest

The Tieton is Washington"s most unique whitewater experience — a dam-release river that runs only during the annual September drawdown of Rimrock Lake. For three to four weeks each fall, the Bureau of Reclamation releases 1,500–2,500 cfs, transforming the normally dry Tieton into continuous Class III–IV whitewater. "Flip-Flop," the signature rapid, has earned its name honestly.

Trip sections
Rimrock Dam to Windy Point — Class III–IV, best whitewater
Windy Point to Naches — Class II–III, intermediate run
Outfitters
River Riders
Tieton River September release rafting trips
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPS
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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.