Altaire
Campground to Highway 101 and the Elwha Resort
Location
Clallam
County, west of Port Angeles, northwest Washington
Driving Time
Seattle—3.5
hours
Difficulty
Class
I-II
Trip Length
6
miles (9.5 km)
Trip Options
Paddle
raft, oar raft; half-day
Season
April-September
The Elwha River, which
originates in the snowcapped mountains of Olympic National Park,
offers rafters an excellent opportunity to experience the thrill of
whitewater rafting and enjoy a small portion of the park's famed
beauty and serenity. In addition to the ferns and wild flowers that
adorn the Elwha's forested environs, rafters often see eagles,
hawks, osprey, deer, and even Roosevelt Elk during the early spring.
Impressive views of the Park's Carrie Glacier can also be seen from
the river. Elwha's
friendly Class I-II rapids on the 6-mile (9.5-km) raft trip take
about two hours and may be enjoyed by anyone. The Park's sole
rafting concessionaire is well prepared to host families, seniors,
and the disabled.
The Elwha River, which
originates in the snowcapped mountains of Olympic National Park,
offers rafters an excellent opportunity to experience the thrill of
whitewater rafting and enjoy a small portion of the park's famed
beauty and serenity. In addition to the ferns and wild flowers that
adorn the Elwha's forested environs, rafters often see eagles,
hawks, osprey, deer, and even Roosevelt Elk during the early spring.
Impressive views of the Park's Carrie Glacier can also be seen from
the river.