Hybridcx,

The Wynoochee is about as safe a river to drift as there is. However, no moving water is safe for the ignorant or the careless. How safe is the 'Nooch? Well I've floated it from the diversion dam to the mouth variously in my 16' canoe (Weatherwax canyon - Don't do it in anything unless you're an accomplished whitewater kayaker) and usually in my little 7' one-man raft with 2-piece take apart oars that look like they belong on a toy. I do portage the diversion dam because the boat chute usually has a standing wave, and I don't like to get wet in the winter. I use the small raft because it's lightweight, convenient, and I can launch and retrieve literally anywhere. With the higher sides of a drift boat, it's no problem unless you're one of the ignorant or the careless. Or maybe I'm just experienced and lucky.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.