The close proximity of the runs in the Washougal drainage make it possible to hit multiple runs in a day even when day light hours are short. The Washougal Hole is a great play feature and back to back with one of the other creeks in the area it makes for a super fun day! With a large storm pounding Oregon and Washington I eagerly followed the gauge on the Washougal hoping to nail a double header and paddle Hagen Gorge then have a play session at the Washougal Hole.
With the gauge on the Washougal reading about 2400 and gently rising I thought it was a bit of a gamble to get both. But the prospect of the double header had myself, Bryon Dorr and Ryan Young unable to pass up the opportunity, we were joined by Rob for Hagen Gorge. When we pulled up to the bridge at the take out for Hagen I was a little disappointed in the flow. But with the plan already in action we headed to the put in!
New wood in the beginning of the run
The portage above the gorge
We scraped our way down the first section to the portage, portaged then paddled down to the good stuff. Lack of water made it a little bony and anticlimactic, but with good spirits we arrived at the first falls. We took a quick scout for wood and all ran the falls. It was surprisingly clean for low water and we paddled out of the eddy with smiles!
Bryon Dorr Running the first falls.
Bryon Dorr Euphoria Falls
After Euphoria Falls we paddled down to the confluence where Skamania Mines Creek confluences with Hagen Creek to make the NF Washougal and were delighted to have more flow!
Bryon Dorr
Teakettle Falls
Teakettle Falls
Ryan Young
Double Drop
Double Drop
Now I have been coming to the Washougal hole since Bryan Fields, Ken Pita and the old Playboating NW crew showed it to me about five or six years ago and I've always been keen on the spot. What I have come to learn over the years is that the Washougasl Hole is one of the premier play spots in the NW. No B.S. from 2500-7000cfs this spot is rock'n! If yo don't believe me then that is cool I will continue to have the hole to myself. However I encourage paddlers to check it out, I could use the extra rest in the eddy! To get to the play spot paddlers have to park at the pull out on the right side of the Washougal R. road just on the other side of the NF Washougal bridge. Then walk back across the bridge and bushwhack down to the bedrock shelf on river right on the N Washougal. Put in and paddle down to the confluence with the main Washougal and continue a short distance to the Washougal Hole. You will not miss it, as it is very obvious when you get there. It is less then 10 minutes from the put in to the play spot and if you are lucky there is a warm up spot on the NF!
Bryon Dorr
Rat Hole
Rat Hole
Suicide wave is on the surfers right shoulder of the Suicide Hole. Paddlers can either drop in after surfing Rat Hole or make the tricky Suicide Ferry across the hole and onto the wave!
Enjoy!
Happy Holidays!

