Ross Lake is one of the state's most spectacular lakes, though it is man-made. The 50-mile long lake is flanked by very steep, heavily forested granite mountains that rise as much as 7,500 feet above the lake. Getting your boat to it is a little tricky, however. The only road access (other than from Hozomeen, which requires a long drive through Canada) is from the Colonial Creek Campground on the silty turquoise waters of Diablo Lake. Put in here and paddle up Diablo Lake to the base of the Ross Lake Dam. From here, you must either portage 1.7 miles up a steep gravel road around the dam, or call the Ross Lake Resort (there is a phone at the base of the dam) to arrange a shuttle for $25 per boat. Once on Ross Lake, you will find most of the camping spots on the eastern shore or close-in islands. Reservations for camping spots must be made in advance with the Ross Lake National Recreation Area. It's worth taking a few days to spend here as there are many interesting side destinations like Desolation Peak as well as virtually limitless backpacking opportunities. The best paddling is usually found in the morning and evening, as the winds during the daylight hours are legendary.

This paddle route follows the Palouse River upstream from its confluence with the Snake River to the spectacular Palouse Falls. Depending on the flow of the river and the water level of the reservoir that makes up the lowest part of the Palouse River, it may be quite challenging to paddle or pole upstream to the falls. The effort is well worth it for the incredible and unique view of the falls from below. Don't get too close to the falls because of the dangerous wind, waves, currents and undertow that they create.

The Skagit River from Newhalem to Copper Creek flows quickly through a deep canyon in between the high mountains of North Cascades National Park. As expected in a mountain stream, there are numerous riffles, rapids, and rocks to contend with. The largest series of Class 3 rapids is located at the "S-bends" starting at 6.5 miles and continuing for more than half a mile. Spawning salmon are frequently seen in fall and bald eagles in winter.

The Soleduck River offers beautiful rainforest scenery, clear water, and challenging rapids in this segment in the glacially-carved upper Soleduck Valley. While Highway 101 parallels the river, its presence is screened by the river's heavily vegetated steep banks. The most difficult rapid is found at mile 5. The take-out is on Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife property, so a vehicle access permit or Discover Pass is required to park a vehicle there.

The Yakima River remains broad and gentle through this canyon in spite of its steep and dramatic walls. The arid landscape is full of beauty year-round. The river, controlled by reservoirs, is generally kept full in the spring and summer, but drops precipitously in the fall, giving the run an entirely different character in autumn and winter. Bighorn sheep are frequently seen overlooking the river, as are bald eagles in the winter months. Winds are often high and heat intense in the spring and summer.

The Queets River is one of several large, deep, and fast rivers that drain the rainforests on the west side of the Olympic Mountains. It is tinted blue with glacial rock flour in the summer. It is also the only one of these major rivers to be almost entirely protected in National Park lands, and as such is a haven for enormous trees and much wildlife, including elk, deer, bears, otters, ospreys, and eagles. There are several Class II-III rapids and numerous gravel bars, islands, and tributary streams, as well as occasional views of Mt Olympus, whose glaciers are a primary source of the river. The best channels are rearranged yearly, so the hazards encountered and the route shown here will almost certainly change from year to year.

The Cispus River offers consistent Class 2 rapids and absolutely gorgeous scenery as it passes through a heavily forested canyon with small tributary creeks pouring in from both sides. Tower Rock, an ancient volcanic plug, looms above the river at the put-in site. There is good camping at Tower Rock Campground and Iron Creek Campground just below the take-out. There are Class 3 rapids directly below the take-out.

This outing starts off Kalispell Bay Road at the Priest Lake Marina near the museum. This an easy place to visit because there are so many different access points to the water. Resorts, cabins, campsites, and vacation homes surround the lake, and there are tons of recreational opportunities available. Views of the surrounding Selkirk Mountains, islands, and dense forests of cedar, fir and tamarack can be observed while paddling. Trophy size mackinaw, cutthroat, and bull trout are stocked in the water. The lake is also home to numerous animals including beaver, otters, Canadian geese, ducks, ravens, and bald eagles. Once out onto the main part of the lake, be aware of the winds and other boat traffic. High winds can cause large waves, especially when its coming from the south.

The lake is located at the southernmost edge of the Selkirk Mountains in Kootenai County and it's situated in the Western Selkirk Maritime Forest of Idaho. When full, the 625-acre lake is a peaceful recreational area for boaters, anglers, water skiers, canoeists, and swimmers. The lake was formed from ancient floods with glacial debris and damming streams. The shoreline is mostly developed with private residences, vacation rentals, and fishing opportunities. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, yellow perch, walleye, and bluegill are stocked in the water. Daily launch fees here cost $4 - $8.00, and it offers docks, swimming beach, picnic tables, pumpout, toilets, running water, breakwater, and parking.

The South Fork Stillaguamish River is a popular paddle with some rocky, mildly challenging rapids at the beginning of the route followed by slow water through a series of shady gorges. There are a number of wide sand and gravel bars inside bends of the river that make great resting spots. It's also possible to continue on flat water to the confluence of the North Fork in Arlington.