Any major rapids, rockpiles or other obstacles?

I know it sees a fair amount of boat traffic but is it a river that a novice should completely stay away from?

I have not floated it this year, I am sure there are some changes after the flooding. It depends on how much of a novice you are. If you are careless it can kill you, but other rivers can also accomplish that feat. There are a couple of places to put in or take out, all have some tricky sections. I first floated the Queets in the summer time in shorts and a t-shirt about twenty years ago. I have floated it many time since, I have a lot of respect for this river and am cautious and alert when at the oars. The bottom line is how much of a novice are you. Good luck!

It depends on which drift on the Queets you're talking about. From the campground to Streeters you've got Sam's rapids--worth scouting before you row the rockgarden at first light. It also depends on the water level--lower levels are more challenging. I haven't been down the middle drift from Streeters to Hartzel this year. Like most OP rivers you always have the potential sweeper or changes in river channel to contend with. The easiest stretch is from Hartzel to the Clearwater bridge. The take out under the bridge includes a 20 shale cliff, bring a good line of at least 50 feet. I heard that the launch on the other side of the river may be available for a fee, check it out before you start. Steelhead returns on the Queet are projected to be low this year for wild fish--although I don't know how accurate the predictions are. The Queets is a beautiful float even if you don't catch a steelhead. Good luck, and be safe on the river.

Stay away !!! a very dangerous river with class 13 rapids, they are so bad they are inverted and suck you back up stream !!!!
Then if that dosen't get you the Indians will, They have ambushes all along that river. Quite scary at times !!!!
Peace Superfly

Rob,

The usual advice about paying attention applies here too, but it's a pretty easy float in my opinion. There are large trees out there, so beware of sweepers, they can easily cover the entire channel sometimes - only seen that once I guess. But it's as beautiful as rivers get.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.

Just be aware that if you pass the bridge on Clearwater road you are on the res and are doomed. The takeout is a drag, Literally. It is river left under the bridge and you will need that 50' of rope to drag your boat up over the shale cliff.

Do the smart thing and hire a guide for your first
trip down it.A $150.00 buck's is pretty cheap life
and boat/gear insurance if ya ask me.The drift from hartzell to the bridge is a pretty easy one though.Good luck,
STRIKE ZONE