I understand from previous post's that the Barrier Dam to Blue Creek, and Blue Creek to Mission Bar drifts on the Cowlitz are easy. Can someone qualify easy? How does it compare to the Sultan to Ben Howard drift on the Skykomish? I would greatly appreciate any advice on beginner drifts. Thanks!

No problem. Both those floats on the Cowlitz are easy. It's almost identical to the Ben Howard float on the Sky, it just has more flow, but there is more room to move around. The worst part about the Cowlitz is the crowds. Another set of gravy floats is the Upper Skagit-Marblemount to Rockport or Rockport to Fabers.

I'm basically in the same boat as you trying to learn my way around the waters. I can't speak about the Cowlitz but yes, the Sultan to Ben Howard drift is a good one and I've also been out on the Snoqualmie a bunch from Plumb Creek down to Fall City and also Fall City down to Neal Road or even all the way down to Carnation (very long float). Plumb Creek has one tricky part but that's it. I like getting out on the Snoqualmie right now even though it's not producing because I've only seen one other boat. Good learning water. Good luck.

Bruce