The "Upper Middle" traverses wild country on some wild rapids. The forested banks open frequently to gravel and sand beaches with spectacular views of Mt Garfield and Russian Butte. Most of the rapids are Class 2 at normal flows, but there is one Class 3, the Rainy Creek Drop, at just over half a mile in. There is an alternate access point where the road follows the river bank downstream of that rapid if you wish to avoid running it. The put-in site has limited parking, so it's better to park at a pullout downstream or at the parking lot for the Taylor River area trails. A NW Forest or Inter-agency Pass is required to park there.

The Elwha River is one of the most beautiful of the many rivers on the Olympic Peninsula, and is becoming wilder as well due to the removal of two major dams in early 2012. Keep in mind that past conditions may be radically different now that the dams have been removed. This stretch of the river begins at Altaire Campground in Olympic National Park and continues to a take-out just outside the park boundary. The rapids are moderate Class 2, with the exception of Fisherman's Bend, which is a class 3 rapid at 1.6 miles where the river curves east toward the road. It's a good idea to scout this rapid before attempting it, as it changes regularly due to log jams and the re-arranging of the river course itself. Beautiful forest and mountain views are common on this trip.

This epic adventure is a true wilderness experience. The Lost River cuts through a portion of the huge Pasayten Wilderness, and for the majority of its course here, there is not even a trail that parallels it. Flowing through a beautiful and remote canyon of pink granite, the Lost River is a marvel that few get to enjoy. The hike in is approximately 5.8 miles on a well-maintained trail over a pass, then on a primitive trail along Drake Creek, a tributary of the Lost. The run itself starts small and is often choked with logs, but gets progressively larger and more exciting. A former lake, created from an obvious landslide on the left, appears at about 8 miles from the trailhead. Shortly thereafter is a series of large drops that should be portaged river left. The river gradually broadens as you head downstream, but the rapids and the scenery remain as great as ever. Allow a weekend for this adventure. There is backcountry camping near Drake Creek and good sites near the former lake, just be sure not to camp beneath a talus slope.

The Ohanapecosh River offers an unbeatable combination of clear, emerald-green water, spectacular scenery, and challenging whitewater. The river presents a mix of boulder gardens, pools, and drops in a rocky gorge. Just after passing Summit Creek, there is a 9 foot ledge that is runnable down the right side, followed closely by a rapid known as Elbow Room, which is generally portaged on the left. After a short distance in a pool, a 15 foot vertical drop can be portaged to the right. There are many rapids on this run that need to be scouted first. Allow an entire day to complete this unforgettable adventure.

The upper Tye is an incredible steep creek of crystal clear water full of challenging drops set in a dark forest. Though there are several drops that are often portaged, the most dangerous one is called Log Choke Falls and is almost always portaged. It's located after the confluence with Deception Creek after a short stretch of almost flat water. Other interesting drops include Monkey Cage Falls, named for the viewing platform where people congregate to watch you, and Crack in the Earth closely following it, where you have to drop into a crack running perpendicular to the main flow. This run is exceptionally interesting and beautiful, but also exceptionally challenging and dangerous! Be sure to take out at the indicated bridge, as there is a nasty waterfall just around the bend.

The Carbon River run is nothing short of spectacular as it screams downhill through a granite canyon only a few feet wide in places. This trip is dangerous and only for the highly experienced due to limited sight lines and scouting or portaging opportunities as well as a few tricky spots that, if not executed properly, will result in a swim or pin you against rocks. Many choose to rappel into the canyon from near the Highway 165 bridge instead of running the upper canyon, which has several tricky maneuvers. A 14 foot fall near the end of the canyon may have to be portaged, as well as any log jams that you come across. Having said all this, the run is definitely one of the state's classics, and not to be missed if you are an expert kayaker.

After putting in down a slope from a gate over the access road, the Little Wenatchee wastes no time in bringing you to Class V First Ledge, a 7 foot drop over an undercut ledge. From here, the river enters a small gorge with frequent holes and ledges. It's probably a good idea to mark the take-out before you begin so you don't miss it.

The Clear Fork is one of the ultimate whitewater challenges in the state. Anyone attempting this run should have extensive experience in Class V whitewater and be comfortable with tricky boulder gardens, big drops, and deep canyons where portaging or hiking out can be impossible. This run is essentially one long series of rapids and myriad other hazards in a beautiful and deep basalt canyon. Scouting is a must and you will likely need several somewhat lengthy portages. The put-in access is rough and undeveloped.

Money Creek is an excellent whitewater run that, despite its extremely steep grade, has no drops greater than 6 feet. Instead, it is essentially one continuous boulder garden rapid with a few ledges thrown in. Logs across the creek are possible, especially in the lower section. Scout as necessary.

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.