Soleduc River

This trip is planned for Saturday April 14th, however I know there will be boaters on Friday and Sunday as well. Meet time is 10 am. Meet at the boat ramp at the end of Hillstrom Road near the town of Beaver. It is around mile marker 206 on highway 101. If you punch 206272 Highway 101, Port Angeles, WA, into your GPS it should get you to the intersection of Hillstrom Road and US 101. You will need a Discover Pass for parking at either end of this run.

This six mile section has beautiful water that winds through the forest with gravel bars, islands, boulder gardens and a world class sport fishery. There may be some fishermen on the stretch so bring your courteous self for moving past them as they endeavor in their sport and you in yours. Inflatable kayaks are highly recommended and depending on water level, small rafts or cat boats. 14’ rafts and 12’ cats may find the boulder gardens challenging. I have taken my Aire Super Puma (12.5’) at most water levels and been fine. She is a narrow boat though. I will have my IK and my paddle cat.

If you want to camp, there is a DNR campground (Bear Creek Campground) with pit toilets, no water and no trash service within a mile of the put in. I believe there are 10 sites, first come, first served. You will need a discover pass. There is also a nearby cafe, The Hungry Bear Cafe, 200 yards east of the campground.

If you have any questions feel free to email me – repo461@yahoo.com or call at 360-280-3555. This is a flow dependent activity. There is no gauge on the Sol Duc. The American Whitewater page has this section, called the Mosh Pit, but its combination of flow data from other rivers are dialed in for surfing at the hatchery at the take out, not the run itself. Keep an eye on the Facebook chatter and the AW website if you are wondering what boat to bring.