About
White Salmon River, Washington — 1913-2011 Condit Dam Removal, 1986 Wild and Scenic, Pacific Lamprey. Condit Dam removal in 2011 freed the White Salmon River to run unobstructed for 44 miles through Klickitat County to the Columbia River Gorge. At 1100 CFS average flow, the river builds from Class II-III forest headwaters through the demanding Class III-IV middle section around Husum Falls, then eases to Class III for the lower run from the former dam site. Wild & Scenic designation in 1986 protects the corridor, which sits within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Optimal flows run 500–2500 CFS on gauge 14123500, with commercial outfitters like Wet Planet Whitewater running the accessible sections. The Klickitat and Yakama peoples knew this as White Salmon territory long before dams altered its character. Now the river runs free again, carving through basalt canyon walls with the technical drops and pool-drop structure that define Cascade whitewater at its most demanding.
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.