Jefferson Creek - takeout visual

Now that we are down to just one gauge for judging flow in Jefferson Creek, visuals are another option for out of towner's.

Jefferson creek takeout bridge (looking downstream).

This was the low side of good. Level in the North Fork of the Skokomish was: 928 cfs at 2:00 PM on 10/2 falling 26 cfs/hr

NF SKOKOMISH R BL STAIRCASE RPDS NR HOODSPORT, WA

This was the Hamma Hamma River, looking upstream from the forest service bridge before you get to Jefferson Creek.

Last Weekend - Cali Short (Smith River and the Burnt Ranch Gorge)

While our amazing politicians were arguing about how to properly fund the Government, I went roadtripping.

I met Lesley in Idaho while the Seattle crew was on it's annual North Fork Payette pilgrimage. Her need to drive through Oregon and on to Northern California for some school work perfectly coincided with my furlough from work.

We talked the drive through (the night before) deciding that the Smith was our final goal and that on the way we would be able to get laps on Opal Creek in Oregon and Burnt Ranch Gorge in California. I had never boated these runs so I was stoked to put a few more notches in the belt.

Lesley in the bottom left of Number 2 on Burnt Ranch Gorge.

Lesley and I parted ways in Placerville and I was able to hang out with the family for a 4 day weekend that included lots of wine, great food and some amazing dialogue. I've got some great people in my life.


We found this guy a little worse for wear at one of the vineyards we stopped at.

Any woman can give birth to a mere child, this woman gave birth to a legend. A job well done mom.

I was even able to hitch a ride into Coloma with my little sister, fresh of the plane from her year in Europe, and got to see the old man himself.

Time moves a little more slowly in Coloma when you're watching the framing tree.

Short and sweet; get furloughed on a Tuesday, boat Jefferson Creek on Wednesday. Drive to and Boat Opal Creek on Thursday. Drive to and boat the Smith River and some tributary on Friday. Rally the Burnt Ranch Gorge on Saturday. Crawl into a wine bottle until Tuesday evening and then back at work on Wednesday morning at 0720 am. A great little trip was had!
Stay Stoked!

Last Weekend - The Folks, Pygmy's and Boofs

My mother was able to make the long trek up to the NW and we went on a little roadtrip up to Port Angeles and visited Pygmy Kayaks.

These gorgeous kayaks are all hand made either by the Pygmy staff or they are put together by the consumer. They offer a class to show you how to piece together your brand new wooden sea kayak.

My mom Julia and her friend Jeff.

Got to catch a show my brother was playing in Bremerton.

Then we all went on a Zen retreat into the gorgeous gardens in Gorst. Some of the trees in this garden are estimated to be centuries old.

When it was all said and done. Mom and Jeff were safely on an airplane back to California, I headed back up to BC to get another weekend on the Box Canyon of the Ashlu.

Riley Best lines up for another go on 50/50.

Riley's buddy had some sick lighting for his line.

Last Weekend - Jefferson Creek and Hamma Hamma Falls

It's not actually the weekend, but I just found out that I am getting furloughed. So, what better time than to do some boating. Unfortunatly, the furlough came in the middle of a small drought in the PNW. There is no water! But somehow the Hamma Hamma area received 10 inches of rain overnight.

So what better time than to head to the OP? Jefferson looked likely to be in so Darren and I agreed to meet at the takeout and see what we were getting ourselves into.

We were rewarded with only one wood portage but several sketchy spots. The portage wasn't even really required; you could get past it with a strong set of nerves. You just have to nail your boof and then paste the river left wall.



After a quick lap, Darren took off to get home to the family and I decided to drive up and check out Hamma Hamma Falls.

Well worth the extra 20 minute drive

Jefferson is even harder to time this season. We now only have access to the North Fork Skokomish River gauge. This needs to be in the 1000 cfs range. But be careful that it's not on it's way up! Theres a fine line between control and chaos in Jefferson Creek.

Stay Safe!