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Please Help Protect the Hood River Confluence

The merging of two rivers is always an auspicious place for rafters and kayakers, and one of my favorite confluences is that of the East and West Forks of the Hood River. Not only is this a beautiful place to go for a swim on a hot day, but it also serves as the put-in and take-out for several great whitewater runs.

Confluence of the East and West Forks of the Hood River
Confluence of the East and West Forks of the Hood River

Western Rivers Conservancy recently purchased 102 acres of land which encompasses this confluence and the amazing Punchbowl Falls, a stunning 15 foot waterfall that plunges into a huge pool. The land was purchased temporarily, with a plan to protect it and eventually sell it to Hood River County who hopes to turn it into a park and salmon sanctuary.

Punchbowl Falls and Mount Hood in the Background
Punchbowl Falls and Mount Hood in the Background

The take-out for the West Fork of the Hood River (the best class IV run in the gorge) is immediately above Punchbowl Falls. For kayakers, this means a tricky scramble, up a steep slope, followed by a 5 minute walk to the parking lot. Rafters and catarafters have a much more difficult time getting their boats up the steep slope, and because the take-out is too much trouble, many rafters don’t get to experience the West Fork.

Take-out for the West Fork of the Hood River
Take-out for the West Fork of the Hood River

There is also a fabulous class III/IV run from the confluence and into the town of Hood River. This section has a 4-mile class III warm-up before a fun series of class IV rapids. However, this whitewater run is also plagued by poor access. To reach the confluence from the parking area it’s a 15 minute walk that ends with a steep, narrow trail. Most boaters get around this by putting in at Dee on the East Fork, but river access at Dee is tricky and that section of the river is swift and often blocked with logs. Easier river access at the confluence would open up a wonderful run for a solid class III boater looking to test the waters of class IV rapids.

The Hood River just Above Tucker Park
The Hood River just Above Tucker Park

The boating community will have the opportunity to shape the future of the Hood River Confluence and Punchbowl Falls area. American Whitewater has joined Western Rivers Conservancy to help Hood River County raise enough money to purchase this land. The Collins Foundation has made a $60,000 grant that is contingent on receiving matching funds from the public.

Small donations from the general public show grassroots support and are important for gaining other large public and private donations.

Donate NowA donation of any size would really help this purchase go forward. Please join me and consider donating $10 or $20 (or more!) Donating is VERY easy and can be done by writing “Punchbowl Falls” under the comments section of the American Whitewater Donation Page.


Originally Published: | Updated on | Categorized under: River Conservation

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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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