When you get ready to run a smaller river than the Columbia I would recomend the North Fork of the Lewis. I strongly suggest staying out of the lower river it hols alot of stumps. Put your boat in a Cedar Creek and run down but not lower than the Island Ramp just below the golf cours. Don't forget to call the river level before leaving home (1-800-547-1501). I would not run the river for my first time if Merwin Dam is flowing less than 3000 C.F.S.