Great advice by all. Last year I spent 4 consecutive days on the Calawah right after fairly high water. I had a guide friend in the front of my boat that doesn't regularly float the Calawah but has done it and knows the river. There are a few splits that you better know the right way to go. I have a lot of confidence in my abilities on the oars but by no means would I ever dump my boat into any river that I don't know without having someone along who does know the river...especially the Calawah. Let's face it, water is one of the most powerful forces in nature and not respecting that is about the most foolish move any fisherman can make. If you are going to try it my suggestion would be to do as I did and start out in higher water and floating at least 2 or 3 consecutive days. You will be absolutely amazed how much it changes as it drops. The last day I floated it was beyond my comfort zone. I made it but also learned where my threshold is in terms of the flow. There is a reason you can go to the nicest launch in Forks at the end of November and maybe see that 1 or 2 rigs have launched. Good luck and be safe!