Looking down into the depths of the Pounder Hole at 8.6ft   photo: © fields

The Quarter Pounder and Pounder at 9.1 ft   photo:  © fields

There is another play spot on the Wilson that is rarely visited. It lurks in the depths of the upper narrows. This spot is a big strong ledge hole that is affectionately known as the Pounder. The Pounder Hole can be a very challenging and intimidating play spot. The Pounder is a strongly retentive hole that can be uncomfortably shallow in places but it opens the window to some big moves like air loops. If you have strong hole riding skills and a good head on your shoulders try out the Pounder. The Pounder Hole is not a friendly place or easy place to play, but it is a good change of pace from the 12 Mile Waves and 16 Mile Hole.

If you don't think you up for the Pounder, then try out the Quarter Pounder just upstream. The Quarter Pounder is fun, mini, lefty cartwheel spot.

The eddy for the Pounder Hole is just behind the hole. I you flush river-right there is a good chance  that you are going to miss the eddy and have to walk. This hole encourages you to take on meat or risk missing the eddy. If you do miss the eddy catch the huge eddy a hundred yards below the foot bridge on river-right and carry your boat back up to top of the rapid where you can seal launch back into the river and catch grab a ride on the Quarter Pounder before dropping back into the Pounder.

The Quarter Pounder has good eddy service but a quick roll is required to stay in range of the eddy at higher water.

Below 7.5 ft: Don't waste your time head down to the 12 Mile Waves. The Pounder is very shallow at this level and much less rententive.

7.5 ft - 8.7 ft: These are the best levels for the Pounder Hole.

Above 8.8 ft: The Hole becomes very angry and eddy service degrades to a point where if you surf the river-left side of the hole you are going to miss the eddy.

Wilson River at Tillamook, OR. Be aware that river levels on the Wilson change quickly watch especially for big spikes during periods of heavy rain.

Rainy Season, October to May during or after periods of heavy rain

Experts only! This a shallow and very retentive hole with trick eddy service. I have never seen a rookie paddler escape the hole without a good trashing. The site of many a swim by down river paddlers at higher water levels.

Located in the upper narrow just upstream from Mile Post 20. The hole is located directly under the closed sidewalk that leads down to closed footbridge across the upper narrows. The best way to access the hole is to a do a mini run putting in near Mile Post 21 and taking out between Mile Post 19 and 20.

If you need gas, food or anything else Tillamook is fifteen to twenty minutes away.

Check out the Tillamook Cheese Factory or go on a hike or mountain bike ride on the abundant trails in the Coast Range.

There are campgrounds up river from the 12 Mile Waves. Abundant opportunities exist for camping at undeveloped sites along the river and off of mountain roads near by.

Check out the 12 Mile Waves and the 16 Mile Hole before heading to the Pounder. Many good play boaters don't consider the Pounder a play spot because it is a strong and shallow hole  (the name says it all) with marginal eddy service.