| Description:
The closest play spot to the well known
paddling town of Hood River, Oregon. Rattle Snake is less than
twenty minutes away from down town Hood River and one of a precious
few play spots in the Columbia River Gorge. Rattlesnake is a
popular after work hole and is often quite busy. Rattle Snake is a
pressure hole at the bottom of a small sharp drop a little way below Husum
Falls. This spot gives up cartwheels, blunts and spins at the right levels however
due to touchy nature of the spot, rides are usually quite short and
end in an explosion. Despite the fact that most rides are relatively
short, they are always bouncy and exciting. Beware this hole is
deceptively shallow especially at the lower water levels around 3.5
feet.
It may not be as good as Bob's but it is
another good play spot to check out especially during Winter &
Spring. Be aware that the hole is
surrounded by private land. Do your best to avoid trespassing when
playing at Rattlesnake. |
| Eddy Service: To access the hole you
need to be in the river-left eddy below the hole in order to use the
board and rope to
pull yourself up even with the hole. The river-left eddy is easy
to miss if you have a delayed roll. There is a larger river-right
eddy from which you can usually ferry across to regain the key
river-left eddy with the board and the rope. If you miss both eddies
you will have to carry your boat back up stream to regain the
crucial eddy. |
| Water Levels:
3.4 ft to 6.0 ft: The hole is best from 4.2 to 5 feet. Many
people's favorite level is 5 feet. |
| Gauge: White Salmon at Husum, WA |
| Season: Rainy Season and Spring
Run-off, October to June
during or after periods of heavy rain or snowmelt. |
| Difficulty: Strong intermediate on
up! It takes a lot of effort to get into the hole and beginners may
not be able to do much if anything before they flush out. Those with
a delayed roll might miss both the eddies and have to walk
frequently. |
| Driving Directions: From Washington
Highway 14 near the Hood River Bridge take Washington 141 about 6
miles to the hamlet of Husum and park on the river side of the road.
The play spot formed by the drop at the end of large pool below Husum
Falls. |
| Closest Town: White Salmon, WA |
| Closest Services: There is a store
and gas station and restaurants 5 minutes up the road in BZ Corners |
| Other Local Attractions if the play isn't
in: Take advantage of the famous winds of the gorge,
kiteboarding or windsurfing. Head upstream and go creeking on the
Green Truss or Farm Lands runs on the White Salmon. Mountain Bike on
one of the many fine trails nearby. |
| Closest Camping: Camping is available
up the road near Trout Lake, WA at both developed and undeveloped
sites. |
| Local's Tips: Afternoons
can be busy when rattlesnake is in. |
| Local Kayak Shops:
Kayak Shed is the shop to hit
in Hood River. |
