| Description: If you like to throw
ends then don't miss out on the Naselle Hole. This might be the only
low head dam, and the biggest hole in the Northwest that you will
ever want to play at. It is a monster at the higher water levels.
The meat of the hole is over one hundred feet wide and there is room
in there for several paddlers to throw down at the same time.
Despite the size of the hole it is surprisingly friendly though it
is very retentive, especially out in the meat.
Most years the Naselle Hole only comes in about a dozen times. When
it is in you definitely want to make your way there in a hurry
because not long after the heavy rains stop the hole will shut down.
If you see the gauge above 3000 cfs and rising, get your boat on
your car and head out there.
At the low water levels (below 3500 cfs)
there is some sharp rock that will leave your boat and paddle
looking like a dog had spent an afternoon chewing on them. Just look
at some of the local's boats!
The Naselle Hole only comes in during high
water events on this small, over grown coastal river. Keep your eyes
open for wood and debris heading downstream whenever the hole is in.
Large trees often float through the hole during
high water events.
The Naselle Hole is not a good place for
beginners or any paddlers without strong surfing skills and a good
roll. The hole is quite retentive and the banks of the river are
overgrown making exiting the river when swimming very dangerous. The
eddy is also full of brush and floating debris.
Very long rides are possible in this gigantic
hole! So make an effort to be courteous to the other paddlers in the
eddy by taking short rides to keep the line moving. Also think about
moving over into the meat after spending a little time on the river
left shoulder of the hole. Make room for other paddlers in the hole
there is usually plenty of room. If you don't like being out in the
middle of a big hole this definitely the wrong place for you. |
| Eddy Service: There is good eddy
service from the river left side of the river. The eddy is full of
low hanging trees and brush and often floating debris. Despite the
eddy being partially clogged with organic matter it is easy to catch
and provides good access to the hole. I have seen any strong
paddlers ever miss this eddy. |
| Water Levels:
2200 cfs -2500 cfs:
A green wave starts to form in the
middle of the river. This wave is fun but a big let down compared
hole that forms at higher levels.
2600 cfs - 3500 cfs:
The hole is in though not all the way across the river. Expect to
hit bottom if you cart wheel at the bottom of the pile.
Above 3600 cfs - 6000 cfs:
The hole keeps getting bigger and wider until it extends all the way
over to the concrete wall at the pumping station around 4700 cfs.
The pile just keeps getting bigger and more retentive as the water
levels go up
Above 6000 cfs:
At these levels getting out of the hole might be very difficult!
None of the locals have been in the hole above 6000 cfs (could be
all the wood headed down stream through the hole and no easy way to
get out of the hole). Basically not a good idea!
If the gauge is down or is lagging, call the hatchery at (360) 484-7716 and ask about the
current river level.
|
| Gauge: Naselle at Naselle. |
| Season: Rainy Season, October to May
during or after periods of heavy rain |
| Difficulty: Strong intermediate with
an aggressive attitude and a strong roll on up. |
| Driving Directions: Make your way to
the town of Naselle on Washington State Route 4 which runs along the
Columbia River between Longview and Highway 101. In the town of
Naselle near the river follow the signs directing you to the Naselle
Fish Hatchery and drive upriver on North Valley Road. The hatchery
is located at 270 N Valley Road Naselle, WA 98638.
When you get to the hatchery make sure
that you park in the spots intended for visitors. |
| Closest Town: Naselle, WA |
| Closest Services: Naselle should have
everything that you will need. Alternately Longview, WA and Astoria,
OR are both about an hour away. |
| Other Local Attractions if the play isn't
in: Head to any of the rivers down in Tillamook County or Creek
Boating on local rivers. The ocean is pretty close so coastal
surfing is always an option. |
| Closest Camping: Camping at
undeveloped areas in the forest nearby. |
| Local's Tips: If they have gotten at
least two inches of rain in Astoria in the previous 36 hours there
is no chance that the Hole will be in. Don't throw cart wheels at
the bottom of the pile below 3,500 cfs. |
| Local Kayak Shops:
Pacific Wave in
Warrenton (just West of Astoria, OR) is the closest local paddle
shop and a good source for information about the Naselle Hole
call them at 1-888-223-9794. Alder Creek and
Next Adventure are shops to hit in Portland. |
