Nooksack River
Whitewater Rafting
The "Jewel of the North Cascades"
This river is born at the base of the Nooksack Glacier, high on Mt. Shuksan. After mixing with many side creeks and tumbling over Nooksack Falls, this river’s glacial silt laden water enters the upper gorge of the Nooksack River. Sightings of wildlife such as eagles, deer, and otter are a common occurrence in the lower section until we reach our conclusion at the take-out.
Unfortunately, it’s quite common for new seasonal drift wood and log-jams to cause these trips to be put on hold until safe passage is possible. The best replacement for this trip is whitewater rafting on the Skykomish River.
Nooksack River
Whitewater Rafting
• Season: June – July
• Class/Difficulty: Class 3+ / Intermediate
• Ages: 14+
• Duration/Length: 3 hours / 6 miles
• Gear provided? Yes. No extra charge!
• Price Range: Varies based on group size
• Meeting location: Graham’s Historical Restaurant, 9989 Mt Baker Hwy, Deming, WA 98244 | See Map
• Meeting times: Variable
Trip Description:
The Nooksack River, just south of the Canadian border, is a good late season whitewater run with a couple miles of whitewater followed by several more miles of calm water. We begin the 6-mile trip in a primeval canyon dripping with green mosses. This wild ride requires precise maneuvering through the tight and technical rapids in it’s narrow canyon section. Rapids the likes of “Fir Drop,” “Turtle Rock,” “Landslide,” and “Gallop Drop” give you the sense of this steep canyon and it’s fast pace. This Class 2 – 3 glacial-fed river settles down into a leisurely float with views of 10,778 foot Komo Kulshan, “The Great White Watcher,” better known as Mount Baker, Washington’s second most active volcano. We meet near the town of Maple Falls, WA about 1/2 an hour east of Bellingham, WA.
How to Prepare
We’ll provide all the necessary equipment and gear, but here’s what you should wear and bring with you.
What to bring
Hot weather
- Bathing suit, or light weight clothes
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
Cold weather
- Thin, non-cotton base layer
- Wool socks
- Water bottle
What we provide
All Weather, some optional
- 3mm Neoprene wetsuit
- Neoprene river shoes
- Splash Jacket
- Personal Flotation Device
- Helmet
- Shuttles To & From river
- Rafts & paddles
- River Guide(s)
Other preparations
Tips & Downloads
- Do not bring anything on the river that you are not willing to lose forever. It is not recommended to bring cell phones, wedding rings, extra baggage, dangly jewelry, etc.
- Waiver Form: Please click the button below to sign your waiver form in advance which will speed up your check-in process. You can also download a copy to print and sign if preferred but you must bring it with you. A Waiver Form must be completed by every person, and signed by a parent or a guardian for anyone under 18, who rafts with Alpine Adventures.
Please Note: Rafting and outdoor recreational activities involve risk; participants must read and sign the “Release of Liability” waiver linked to above. If the water on the scheduled river is too high to be safely run on the day of your trip we reserve the right to: change rivers, re-schedule another day, or cancel the trip (with 100% refund).
Refund Policy: A 100% refund can be processed if you cancel at least 30 days in advance. A 50% refund can be processed if you cancel 10-29 days in advance. No refund will be processed if you cancel less than 10 days prior to your trip or don’t show up on the day of your trip. If fewer people show up for the trip than spaces were reserved, you will be held accountable for all reserved spots. We raft rain or shine.
Where to Meet
Meeting Address
Graham’s Historical Restaurant
9989 Mt Baker Highway
Deming, WA 98244
Meeting Location Map
Want driving directions from your specific location? Just click on the Alpine Adventures circular icon on the map, then click on the right turn arrow icon in the red bar in the popup window.