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Cossatot River
Kayaking the Cossatot River at 4.2' in August, Ed Banks to Sand bar8/18/18
My first paddle down the Cossatot was in 1985. In those days it was real whitewater. Today, it's just a beautiful river with some decent whitewater. My standard run is from Ed Banks Rd to Sand Bar bridge. This is two miles of good class 3 with an easy hike along the trail that parallels the river...so no shuttle is required. By darkness I made my way along this trail to the put-in and was on the water by 7:00 a.m. Breakfast was at Waffle House in Hot Springs. The skank ratio there was low on this occasion. As my boat slid from the gravel bar into the gentle flow, I admired the fog enhanced terrain while drifting for a short while. Within minutes my craft was engulfed in the fury of hellacious waves moving in so many directions. It was at this point I feared for my life...but actually, no. All was good. My general philosophy is let the water do most of the work and take strokes to redirect to the preferred line. This usually works, but not always.
By 8:00 the fog was lifting to reveal fairly clear skies. This situation did not last as by 9:00 the clouds did begin their return. The morning started at around 74° and probably was near 80° when I made my exit close to 10:00. The river level was 4.2' at the start and this, I have found, is a good feeling level. The water clarity was not great. Roads and logging in the area tend to muddy the flow after a goodly rain. This trip was quite pleasant, as the river was all mine and this allows for proper engagement with the natural amenities that are so abundant here. Don't go too far outside the river corridor, though, or you will be disappointed with what lies beyond. This run totals 4 miles with 2 hiking and 2 paddling.
