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Condit Dam and the White Salmon Narrows

On October 26, 2011 the Condit Dam on the White Salmon River was removed after years of negotiations between environmental groups, FERC, and state and local governments. It was built in 1913 to supply power to paper companies in Washington and was decommissioned to comply with modern environmental laws and increased maintenance costs.

This is great news for rafters and kayakers and even better news for the Columbia’s salmon and steelhead. Removal of the Condit Dam restored approximately 33 miles for steelhead and 14 miles for chinook to spawn.

The Condit Dam

The 125 foot tall dam was built in 1913 and created a 1.6 mile long reservoir.

The former Condit Dam on the White Salmon River
The former Condit Dam on the White Salmon River

Water impounded by the dam was diverted around the downstream riverbed via canal to an old powerhouse. This left only a minimum amount of water for fish to swim up and spawn on the White Salmon River. Three miles of the river known as the White Salmon Narrows has since opened up for fish to travel and whitewater paddlers to kayak, SUP, and raft.

The White Salmon Narrows

The bottom half of the White Salmon Narrows is an amazingly beautiful section of river that is now appreciated by many. This section starts in a beautiful, deep gorge with fun class II and III rapids. The Class V Steelhead Falls is about half way down and portaged by most paddlers on the left.

Rafter lining their boat through Steelhead Falls
Rafter lining their boat through Steelhead Falls

There are several more class II and III rapids in the narrows, and the rock formations look like they’re from another world. The whitewater is fun and the scenery is unreal.

Stand Up Paddleboarders enjoying the White Salmon Narrows
Stand Up Paddleboarders enjoying the White Salmon Narrows

Kayakers and rafters now finish this iconic trip just before the White Salmon meets the Columbia River.


Originally Published: | Updated on | Categorized under: Trip Reports

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Zachary Collier

As owner of Northwest Rafting Company, Zach Collier combines international guiding experience in places like Siberia, Bhutan, and Chile with a natural business acumen for systems and logistics. Whether he’s on big water or in the back office, Zach strives to ensure Northwest Rafting Company offers exceptional whitewater and wilderness experiences for guests and guides alike.

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