This section of the White Salmon is named "The Farmlands" after the nearby farms that the river flows through. It has intimidating Class IV and IV+ rapids with a portage around a sieve at the former Lava Falls.
Rafting one of the many fun rapids on the Farmlands section of the White Salmon River
Take-out is at the Green Truss Bridge - which is manageable for kayaks but tough for rafts. Most rafters set up a pulley system on the bridge and use their truck to pull the rafts.
Trip Highlights
Mile 0: Put-in at River Road Bridge near Trout Lake.
Mile 2.5: Alternate put-in at Warner Road Bridge.
Mile 3.2: Sidewinder (IV+) is a steep drop with an undercut on the left side. This rapid can be easily scouted and portaged.
Sidewinder Rapid
Mile 3.3: Alternate put-in below Sidewinder Rapid just above bridge. Below here the river goes into a beautiful gorge full of Class III and IV Rapids.
River Access below Sidewinder Rapid
Mile 3.7: Rapid Above Doorbell (III) is a classic "C" that bends to the left.
Mile 3.8: Doorbell (IV) is a long rapid that begins with a squeeze between a midstream boulder and the right wall.
Mile 3.9: Little Lava (IV+) is a steep drop after an innocuous lead in.
Kayaking Little Lava on the Farmlands section of the White Salmon River
Mile 4.2: Lava Falls (P) is a former 15 foot waterfall that is now a mandatory portage around a nasty drop that leads into a sieve. There is a small eddy on the left above the nasty drop to begin the portage.
Kayaking Lava Falls on the White Salmon River
Mile 4.25: Lava Gorge (IV) is a series of drops in a narrow canyon.
Mile 4.4: Triple Drop (IV) is a well-named rapid as it's a series of three drops in a row. Below here are couple miles of Class II and III rapids known as the "Doldrums."
The first drop in Trip Drop on the Farmlands
Mile 7.2: Off Ramp (IV+) is a tricky rapid with a nasty slot on the left side you'll want to avoid. Below here the river goes through a beautiful gorge with some fun rapids.
Off Ramp Rapid at 3 feet on the White Salmon Gauge
Mile 7.8: Toaster Slot (III+) has a nasty toaster slot on the left so you'll want to go right.
Mile 8.0: Take-out at the Green Truss Bridge. This is a tricky scramble up the cliffs on river right.
