if i was to put in at the 101 launch, by the bridge. really how bad is this drift in relation to the class of water and skill level to safely get your drift boat through it in one piece. i would say i am pretty good on the oars and reading the river. but i have heard some real horror stories on this river. i have thought about it a number of times and have always chickened out. i want to ask anybody that has actually rowed it or has been down it with a guide there honest opinions. thanks in advance....

Hey BB ... It's techincally rated as Class II and III water.

The only Class III water on the 'Duc in fishable water is in the Bear Creek Section and I believe there's only one piece of water rated that way.

Much depends upon water flow. If it's 2000 cfs, and you're good on the oars and can read water ... you'll probably be fine. If it's at nice flows (sub 1500 to about 750) some of the spots will start to get tight ... you'd better know the exact route. If you know that route, it's not the end of the world to row. The biggest problem in the Calwah's rockpiles is that you don't get a second chance ... if you miss one critical stroke, you're done.

A guide trying to scare you out? Not really, but keep in mind that maybe 1 out of 4 of the guides in this area will row it. That might say something in itself

i think the 1 in 4 thing has to say something hey bob, how did you first do it? trial and error or did you go with someone first who had drifted it before? and again, thank you very much for your responce.

Water level is the key. It's a rock show for the most part. For that reason most guys, most guides, and myself included, prefer to do this one in a raft in anything other than "high water." Below Highway 101 is a little more forgiving than upstream (Hyas creek down to the forks). In twenty years of---go anywhere, do anything mentality on the OP---I've dumped a drift boat twice. Both times were on the Calawah. Once in "hells half mile" on the south fork, and once below 101 at about 800 CFS.

This is an important point. The most common boat dumping occurs when the bow of a drift boat sticks a rock and then the strern sticks another while rotating off---then water breaches a gunnel and you're done. Get the come-along. The Calawah is a rock garden and much below 1000 CFS you cannot find exposed rocks spaced less than 12 to 16 feet apart in a set of rapids.

Bobs right. He's not trying to scare anyone off. It's just the way it is. I don't float tha Calawah very often (if at all) any more because I prefer the comfort of my drift boat, and I hate beating the crap out of it.

I just wanted to thank Bob and Sol_on_the_Duc for the responses. I rarely speak up on this board, especially with the increased "hostility" within the last few years, but is this type of honesty and insight that I really appreciate.

I have driftboat and from these and other comments I will not float it in my drift boat. But what would you say about floating the section below 101 in a pontoon boat or a raft with rowing frame (starcraft 13 1/2 ft). My fishing buddy and I use both of these annually for trips in Alaska, but the rivers we have floated do not sound like the Calawah. So, would a pontoon boat or raft be much better that a drift boat???

I've been down the Calawah with guides and have been rowing my own boat(s) for about six years. I would not row this river from 101 down myself........personal choice. If I lived in Forks and had the opportunity to float the Calawah often enough to get know where all the rocks are, then my attitude would be different. The danger and difference from the Hoh to the Sol Duc and Calawah is YOU MUST KNOW THE WAY. There is no chance to change path's once you're in these car sized rock gardens. Once you've stuck the nose, there is no place to swing the rear end to get the nose unstuck, and down you go. The thing to keep in mind is everyone's comfort level is different, therefore everyone's opinion may be different. The only way to know is to hire a guide to take you down so you can see for yourself. I just want to caution folks. There have been far too many people drowned this year. Know what your're getting into before you get into it.

Great advice by all. Last year I spent 4 consecutive days on the Calawah right after fairly high water. I had a guide friend in the front of my boat that doesn't regularly float the Calawah but has done it and knows the river. There are a few splits that you better know the right way to go. I have a lot of confidence in my abilities on the oars but by no means would I ever dump my boat into any river that I don't know without having someone along who does know the river...especially the Calawah. Let's face it, water is one of the most powerful forces in nature and not respecting that is about the most foolish move any fisherman can make. If you are going to try it my suggestion would be to do as I did and start out in higher water and floating at least 2 or 3 consecutive days. You will be absolutely amazed how much it changes as it drops. The last day I floated it was beyond my comfort zone. I made it but also learned where my threshold is in terms of the flow. There is a reason you can go to the nicest launch in Forks at the end of November and maybe see that 1 or 2 rigs have launched. Good luck and be safe!

Erik and Kyle,
So are you saying that floating the Calawah in a rubber raft or pontoon boat (both smaller than a drift boat) is just as dangerous? I too would not take my drift boat down the Calawah but was looking for input to using a pontoon boat or raft.

I'm saying hire a guide for your first ride. My opinion and yours may differ greatly on just how dangerous a given piece of water is.