Iam the new guy! First post, just wondering what are some easy drifts for a single person 9 foot pontoon during winter or summer! I have been reading here for awhile and love the info and the up to date stuff on the political side of things! Oh can't forget the laughs also! Any info would be great thanx!

Easy drifts where?

Most sections of the Cowlitz downstream of the barrier dam to the mouth are easy. The lower Green River is easy unless there's a new log jam and hazards. The Snoqualmie and Skykomish downstream of Sultan are pretty easy. It kind of depends on roughly where you want to go.

Sg

Salmo, pretty much any in western wa or op,

Just wondering with 4 kids my kitchen passes and money for guides are far and few between.

Bogachiel is generally considered the easiest of the Forks area rivers to row...Hatchery to Wilsons or Wilsons down to the confluence.

Any river can get you in trouble if you dont know what you are doing. I watched two boats in two days dump just below the hatchery on the Bogie this year. One young group and one old.

I would recommend a trip down with someone else or at least having someone to follow on first time down any OP river.

Anywhere on the Skagit will get you used to moving water without having to avoid much.

Good idea on any river, until you either get to know a stretch, are comfortable with your capabilities or have a good frame of reference to go by when talking to other river rats. In general though, it's always a good idea to drift with others no matter where you go (not that I follow my own advice).

A great way to get started if you can't find a buddy is to offer yourself as a turnaround to another drifter, whether they be in a DB or a 'toon. Not only does this get you a TA , but also someone to follow and check on you as well. Your TA should also have enough vested interest in you to give you an good assessment of potential risk, if you are forthcoming about your experience.

Welcome aboard, white beard!

Ouch...I hadn't heard about that! Now I feel a little guilty for trying to send him down there! Where did the boats go down? Fairly tame water to dump a boat in...

Certainly good advice to go with a guide or at least a buddy boat that can show you the path for the first time.

Ive pulled two pontoons out of the brush on the cow. There is a ton of force behind the volume of water on big rivers so don't let any buddy ever tell you a drift is easy. Trouble will find you when you least suspect it. With that said toons are a blast and allow you to fish some great water that most will never get to. Find a float buddy and learn together. If your ever in doubt of a spot get out and drag around it, we do it all the time and i have several hundred drift under my belt. Good luck and have fun

Although that drift is not very technical, there are hinky spots that can get you in trouble real quick, like the riffle down to Calawah or the Icebox chute. Even the Hatchery boat launch can be a problem. It's skinny water and you can get turned around in a heartbeat there if you're not paying attention.


It's not like they couldn't have watched or followed other boats down before them; there's always someone to follow on the Bogie during brat fest. At this time of year when the river's in, the Bogie's more of a procession than a float. At the risk of being embarrassed and/or irritating grumpy dudes, it's probably one of the best time and places for a newb to learn the drill.

Like the Werner says though, you don't need a Class IV rock garden to get yourself in trouble.

the Bogie's more of a procession than a float...

No doubt about that! I live on Bogachiel Way, so every boat headed down to the hatchery passes my house - usually at about double the speed limit

i know my aunt and uncle live on boggy way too wish people would abide by the speed limit...

Lower end of the lewis.Below I-5.Good luck,
SZ

The Duwamish from tukwila to harbor island...

If you go for the Duwamish lower end check the tide. other wise you will have a long row if there there is any wind at all. Plan for a out going tide. Fun for the kids on our toons Caught fish to when the coho are in. I believe you can only use a boat for transport now Check the regs okbye

Thanx for all the info, and good luck to all, hope something is in shape this weekend!

The stillaguamish from Haller park to I-5 is bath water about 99%.