This stretch of the White Salmon River, from the Green Truss Bridge on Winegartner Road, is an expert run full of steep rapids and several large waterfalls set in a narrow basalt canyon. The put-in is primitive and may require you to lower your craft with rope. There is a fee for using the river access at the take-out point. This route requires constant awareness and advanced scouting. There are several big drops, starting with Big and Little Brother at 25 and 18 feet, respectively. Most will want to portage these on the left bank. Next is Double Drop at 18 feet with another left portage. Near the end of the run is BZ Falls, which is 15 feet high and has a portage to the right. All of these falls are virtually unrunnable at high water. In between the falls are numerous Class IV and V rapids.

The lower section of the Little White Salmon River is often considered the most challenging and interesting whitewater run in the Columbia Gorge. The river runs through a narrow canyon, past numerous boulder gardens, and over several large waterfalls. The first mile or so is a warmup of mostly Class II water. The first major drop is Boulder Sluice, which is 10 feet and can be scouted on river left. Next is Sacraledge, then Double Drop, both several foot drops that should be scouted river right. Go through some Class III rapids, and when the river bends left, you will encounter Wishbone, a 20 foot fall that can be scouted/portaged left or run down the left side. In the canyon below Wishbone is Stove Pipe, a chunky rock with unpredictable effects on the water. Portage left from the eddy before the drop. Shortly after is the largest fall on the run, Spirit Falls. It can be run relatively simply by dropping down the center, but it is still a 33 foot free fall and should only be attempted by experts. Portage left and bring rope to lower your boat down the cliffs. After this fall, there is one more rapid and boulder garden before you come to a weir at a fish hatchery, which can be run or portaged.

The North Fork Lewis River (also known as simply the Lewis River) above the three reservoirs is a wild and very beautiful stream. This section is particularly so, as it travels through a canyon with large cliffs and lush vegetation. There are numerous Class III and some Class IV rapids and boulder gardens along this stretch. The stream is popular with rafters, but they usually combine this stretch with the lower part to Swift Reservoir due to a complicated take-out.

Putting in near Beaver Creek State Natural Area, this route meanders the Beaver Creek through coastal forested hills. The destination is Ona Beach where there is a large amount of sandy beach for playing, beachcombing, relaxing and picnicking. The calmness of the creek allows for casual paddling both upstream and downstream. Many wildlife can be spotted along the way, including the beaver, of which the creek is named after. This is a popular kayak route and tours are offered through the state park system if desired.

This challenging route offers exceptional variety of terrain, obstacles, and water volume on the journey from small Rock Creek into the much larger East Fork Lewis River. The biggest drop is Little Rascal at 7 feet, and is found just over a mile in. Soon before entering the East Fork, there are a series of standing waves approaching 4 feet high during high water. After joining the East Fork, Naked Falls appears just after a bend to the right (scout left here.) Be sure to take out before Moulton Falls.

The North Fork Lewis River (often referred to as just the Lewis River) below FR 9039 runs through a scenic canyon with waterfalls plunging over basalt cliffs directly into the river. Riding the river, which on this stretch is relatively gentle with mostly Class II to III rapids, offers a unique perspective on these beautiful falls. The take-out point is directly across from Eagle Cliffs just as the river empties into Swift Reservoir. Parts of the river offer great views of Mt St Helens. At higher water levels, there are several great standing wave play spots for experienced kayakers.

Rock Creek provides a variety of challenges in a cool canyon. After a brief, easy warm-up, the creek plunges over a 7 foot ledge that can be scouted from the left bank. Shortly thereafter, at about 1.3 miles is Heaven and Hell, a 25 foot double waterfall that is best portaged river left. At 1.7 miles, cross under a bridge as Steep Creek pours into the river from the right over a nice waterfall. The final major challenge is Three Swim Falls, which generally requires a portage river left. The majority of the run consists of steep boulder gardens but there is quite a bit of variety.

This classic rafting and kayaking run is full of boulder slaloms and ledges big and small and one nasty waterfall (Lucia Falls) that is usually portaged. Most of the rapids are Class III and there are several popular wave play spots, especially between Lucia Falls and the 172nd Road bridge.

Through the long, isolated canyon lies the beautiful Crooked River as it cuts through canyon walls where water gushes from mid-wall springs. The area is breathtaking, but the river has various Class IV drops that make for a roller coaster ride. The river goes by the famous climbing mecca of Smith Rock State Park and then continues on in intensity. Scout frequently down the river for the best routes and portage if you need to.

The Rogue River is very popular and for great reason. This section of the river does not require the Wild and Scenic Permit that is a lottery to receive, but does provide great rapids and wonderful views with shores lined with thick trees and steep edges. The put-in is at Matson County Park just west of Grants Pass, but there are various campsites and parks along the route to put-in as well to make for a shorter day trip. There is a great mix of Class II rapids with sections of Class I as well.