Tieton River
Rimrock Lake to Windy Point, Class III-IV
15 miles - 4 hours, September

For the true whitewater enthusiast, many of whom raft with us as a regular event! This is a wonderful extension to your summer fun activity schedule! Rimrock Lake, southeast of Mt. Rainier, sits all summer warming beneath the Eastern Washington sunshine and then the water is released in late August and September for irrigation needs in the Yakima valley below. A great Class III - IV trip, the Tieton is loaded with rapids its entire length and has the steepest gradient of the rivers we run; dropping 58 feet each mile. The season is limited but the Tieton promises a warm and exciting river ride. Bask in the heat and revel in the fall colors as they jump out of the arid Eastern Washington scenery.

** We suggest** that if you are coming to raft with us on this river you take Intersate 90. Right now Highway 123 is closed, Highway 410 has major road construction and Highway 12 has a major rock slide cleanup for the rest of the summer. If you have to take 410 please allow extra time for travel. To get to the Tieton via I-90 read suggested route #1 for directions.

Reserve this River now!

Tieton River Rendezvous Instructions

Where to Meet:
Your guides will meet you at the point where we park your vehicles, launch the rafts and have the riverside BBQ. This is on Highway 12, east of White Pass, and in between Mileposts 166 and 167. Our bus or van will return you to your cars at the end of the trip. Allow 3 hours drive from Seattle. During September possible snow storms may cause driving difficulties on the mountain passes. There are different ways to get to the meeting point so please use a Washington State road map as well as these directions.

**1. Suggested route.** From I-90, take exit 110 twards Yakima on Highway 82. Take exit 31 onto Hwy 12 West, heading towards White Pass, Drive through Naches and approximately 4 miles west of Naches you will turn left, staying on Hwy 12 West. The meeting area is on your left between mileposts 167 and 166.

2. From Seattle: Take any route to Enumclaw and Hwy 410 Eastbound. Drive through beautiful Rainier National Park. At the summit of Cayuse Pass, take Hwy 123 South (pay attention as signs are small). Then proceed onto Hwy 12 East, over White Pass. You will drive along Rimrock Lake, go down a steep hill, through a tunnel, past Rimrock Grocery Store and meet on the right between mileposts 166 and 167 at the "CHAIN OFF PARKING" sign where there is a pullout for parking. NOTE: If you miss Hwy 123 South and continue along Hwy 410 over Chinook Pass (be aware this route is 45+min. longer) then you will need to head back west on Hwy 12. You will drive through the small town of Rimrock Retreat. The meeting area is on your left hand side between mileposts 167 and 166.

3. From Portland: Head north on I-5. Take exit 68 onto 12 East. It is 100 miles from the turn off on I-5 along Hwy 12 to the meeting site. Drive through Morton, Randle, Packwood and then over White Pass. You will drive along Rimrock Lake, go down a steep hill, through a tunnel, past Rimrock Grocery Store and meet on the right between mileposts 166 and 167 at the "CHAIN OFF PARKING" sign where there is a pullout for parking.

We’ll have your wetsuit/booties waiting for you from our “rolling rental shop” (no presizing needed!) so just show up with a swimsuit or T-shirt/running shorts (something that can get wet) under your street clothes and we’ll take care of you from there when you get signed in.

Lunch:
We provide everything you could possibly want for lunch on the river whether carnivore of vegetarian. Our caterer prepares a scrumptious and varied array of food including BBQ’d meats, burgers, dogs or veggie burgers, fresh vegetables and dip, melons and fruits, breads, chips/salsa, and water or lemonade to drink. No alcohol is served. If you have special dietary needs just let us know and we'll be happy to try to accommodate you. The morning trip meets at 9am, goes rafting and finishes with the BBQ afterwards - and for the 1pm trip come hungry at 1pm for the BBQ then rafting later in the heat of the day.

MAP

Weather

What You'll need

Lodging

Gallery