At levels between 4,000 and 19,000 cfs enjoy a great run of Class I and II rapids. From flat-water paddles to feature park and play spots, this seventeen-mile reach offers something for everyone, so make sure you find the section that’s right for you.
Also note that flows here vary depending on the Post Falls Dam. Beginning in late June, the gates on the dam close and the water level drops dramatically. By late July, flows can go below 600 cfs. For each section, less experienced river goers should wait until the spring runoff is complete.
Stateline to Harvard Road (3.5 miles) and Harvard Road to Barker Road (2 miles) are well suited for rafters and tubers comfortable with Class I rapids. The reach also features Dead Dog Hole, a popular natural whitewater feature and play spot located at the Stateline access site under the new Stateline bridge. Dead Dog becomes a factor at flows of about 10,000 or more. This rapid can be avoided by staying river left at the put-in.
Less experienced rafters can enjoy this section in the summer, but should wait until spring runoff is complete and/or the gates at Post Falls Dam have closed. For those not experienced with Class II rapids, exit at Barker Road.
Barker Road to Mirabeau (4.5 miles) is for more experienced paddlers, with a number of Class II rapids and whitewater play features including Mini Climax Wave, Sullivan Hole, and Zoo Wave. The core whitewater section of class IIs spans from Barker Road to Sullivan Road.
Just below the put-in at Barker the river widens greatly above Flora Rapids. This can be a problem in low flows as the river is both shallow and rocky. Expect a bumpy ride in July or August.
Flora Rapid (Class II) is just below and is a sweeping left-hand bend in the river with bouncy waves in higher water and rocky at low flows. This is the start of a series of Class II rapids, including Sullivan Rapids, which feature big waves at larger flows that love to capsize paddlers.
In summer flows where water warms, note that above Sullivan Bridge water is seen seeping in on river right. This is primarily ground water but dip your hand in the river and note how much colder it is. The Spokane Aquifer dumps (recharges) into the river here as well.
By late July, reduced river flows expose a number of rocks, making sit-on top kayaks a more practical option for river goers. At high flows be wary of whirlpools just below the take-out at Mirabeau on river left.
Always be wary of getting out of a raft or tube in this section at lower flows. Not only are rocks slippery, but they pose potential foot entrapment that can easily lead to drowning, PDF or not. If taking out here, for those with heavy equipment it’s a significant walk up to the parking area.
Mirabeau to Plante’s Ferry (1 mile) is a relaxing flat-water ride with a few minor rapids. Look up on the basalt cliff ahead and see the historical Riblett Mansion, now Arbor Crest Winery. Pay a visit after the float if you are 21 and older to enjoy both the marvelous grounds, stunning views, pretty darn good wines and Sunday concerts in the summer. Exit river right and walk your equipment up a hill that the county maintains as a manicured lawn area. There is a loading, unloading area for vehicles by the road. Parking is farther up the road on the right.
Plante’s Ferry to Boulder Beach (4.5 miles) is a flat-water experience, with the exception of Coyote Rock, a class II rapid just below Plante’s Ferry. The final take out point is at Boulder Beach, with Upriver Dam located 1.5 miles downstream.
Remember, this is the backup area (reservoir) to Upriver Dam so unless there’s a current, be prepared to paddle, paddle and paddle some more. Be aware that there are occasional motorboats on this section and all the shoreline is privately owned with no access or exit until Boulder Beach.