The White Salmon River is a river flowing into the Columbia River Gorge, originating on the slopes of Mount Adams. The lower portion of the river is in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and some of the upper sections are part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers system. The principal tributaries of the White Salmon River include Trout Lake and Buck, Mill, Dry, Gilmer, and Rattlesnake Creeks.[1]
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On November 17, 1986, the White Salmon River was designated Wild and Scenic. The designation cover 29 miles (47 km) of the river, from its confluence with Gilmer Creek to its confluence with Buck Creek. On August 2, 2005, a further portion of the river - from its headwaters to the boundary of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest - was designated Wild and Scenic. 6.7 miles (10.8 km) of the river are considered "wild" and 22.3 miles (35.9 km) are considered "scenic."[2]
The White Salmon River is used by kayakers and rafters all year round. A popular spot to launch a raft or kayak is located off of the Alt Hwy 141 in BZ Corner. The section from BZ Corner to Husum falls is known as the Middle White Salmon. The rapids are for intermediate kayakers and rafters. The section from Husum Falls to Northwestern Lake is referred to as the Lower White Salmon. This section is for beginners. The rafting companies that guide on the White Salmon run from BZ Corner to Northwestern Lake.
On October 26, 2011, the Condit Dam was intentionally breached as part of the dam's decommissioning by PacifiCorp. The breach allowed water to flow unimpeded on the White Salmon River for the first time in nearly a century.[3]