Rafting the rivers: The Pacific Northwest is blessed with many outdoor activities, including whitewater rafting. Spokane is unique in that we have a beautiful river running right through the city. I grew up in Northwest Spokane and played along the river as a youth. I always wondered what it would be like to float areas of the river and see Spokane from a different perspective. After I supposedly grew up, I purchased a 7-man, dual chamber Halco raft. I made numerous trips down the river and found the most exciting time to make the float is in early March, when the early runoff is fastest and highest. My favorite route would take me through the Bowl and Pitcher, and just beyond through the Devils Toenail, offering the best and fastest stretch of rapids. In early Spring the water is fast and cold, so we wore full wetsuits and competition life vests. I cant stress enough the importance of proper life vests while floating a river. It makes no difference what time of the year you float the Spokane, there are always numerous undertows and whirlpools that can instantly pull you under. I can attest to this when one of our trips nearly ended in disaster. The raft was flipped upside-down in a series of rapids (at the Bowl and Pitcher) and I was immediately sucked to the bottom (while still wearing a full wetsuit and life vest. I broke my nose, and spent a half-mile in the fast water before making it to shore. I finally grew up or got older and wiser and retired my raft. I still have the unforgettable memories of rafting the Spokane. (In photo- early March, 1971, Spokane River, stretch of rapids at The Devils Toenail. Note theres still snow on the rocks. Im in the front and my brother-in-law is getting his face washed in the back) Photo by Richard Heinzen, professional photographer.
Posted on: Sat, 24 Jan 2015 00:40:58 +0000
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