Looking for some information/literature on the Clearwater river. Anybody know of a good source. Would it be considered part of the Queets Drainage, maybe the Quinalt Drainage???

Specifically, is a good drift boat river?

Any Sources?Info would be appreciated.

Brian

Brian, I consider the Clearwater too small to run a drift boat on, although others opinions may differ. Bank access is limited also, but not non existant.

I drifted the upper river half a dozen times last winter w/no problem, not the river for the inexperienced though. It dumps into the queets

When you say too small.... Are you referring to width of the river, or is it a shallow coastal stream. Give me a better Idea.

I've been thinking about the section from the confluence of the Queets up 6-8 miles.

What do you think of the fishery in comparison to the queets, salmon river area.

I haven't been able to find any state run boat launches in the area, am I missing something or is all of the property privately held. Where can you put a boat in.

I've actually been looking to purchase some property out that way. Specifically on the Hump, but I'm not finding much so I'm looking at other streams. I figure the location is decent when considering all of the neighboring rivers.

By the time I get out of Tacoma, the OP rivers are a long haul..... I'd like to build a little A-frame or something. I'm not much for camping in the dead of winter, especially after a day in the boat.

Brian

B-12
The Clearwater is about the size of the carbon it is large enough to float in the winter at normal flow,but usually at this time of the year it would be way to low and shallow but of course this hasnt been a normal september rainfall wise so a float may be possible when it begins to drop into shape,I do bank fish it occasionally so I am not that familliar with all of the put ins and take outs on the river, the only two drifts that I know about are from coppermine botton campground down to the steel bridge, about three miles, then from the steel bridge down to the DNR bar about a mile above the mouth this is a very long drift about 12 miles or so, I dont know how it compares with Queets/Salmon river fishery but I think it has a fairly good run of silvers. The upper parts of the river are on state forrest lands (DNR) much of the lower end is on private land, I would suggest that you get some good maps of the area that show all of the logging roads and go from there.

sberry was on the money, the upper drift is fine at normal flow. Becareful w/the take out it will sneak up on you, and if you pass it your in for a long dark ride down to the queets. When you see the steel bridge make sure your on the West side and you can't see the take out until your on it. I would suggest following somebody who's drifted it just to help you w/the takeout. My first time I about crapped myself. Also there are a couple of huge root balls that you want to watch out for in the middle of the drift.