April 30, 2025

Day Off on the Kalama

Day off of work…Lets paddle

By Nate Watt

Kalama River – Red Barn Section

Location – Kalama Washington

Flow 260ish on the Canyon Creek Gauge – Good medium flow

I’ve been itching to get out paddling for the last few weeks. I woke up and looked at the weather—clear blue skies, temperature in the high 60s, and plenty of snowmelt to feed the flows. I loaded up my Jackson Antix 2, Kokatat drysuit, Werner paddle, immersion research skirt, and my brand new Sweet Protection Sweet Rocker helmet. The Kalama is one of my favorite local runs near Portland. It’s about an hour’s drive north from PDX and right (literally) off of I-5. It’s mostly class II-III (depending on flows) and offers great surfing, technical moves, and boofs. The scenery reminds me of the Gorge section of the Sandy River. Lots of Evergreens, volcanic rock, and creeks spilling into the main flow. The run is a total of 7 miles and can be done pretty fast, but we decided we would take our time and scout some fun lines.

We made our way down to the put-in cutting across the many switchbacks leading down to the river. The sun was shining off the rushing water and casting glimmer on the evergreens. After getting in our boats we warmed up with some ferrying and surfing. I love the way my Antix 2 surfs. Its hard edges and the half-slice stern makes for some spicy play.

The first rapid you encounter is the longest on the run. It reminds me of the entrance rapid on Bull Run. It has a lot of different lines and slalom moves throughout. The next rapid down has a sweet boof on the river left. I’ve run it so many times, but I always scout it so I can guarantee a good clean boof. I will say, if you mess up the boof there is a great chance you might end up upside down and kissing some guard rocks with your face. The rest of the rapids offer some good play, surf, and stern squirts.

The next notable rapid has an infinity boof, after running the boof you can eddy out river left and hike back up for another go. I always approach the rock on the river left with some right angle and take a left boof stroke to keep that bow high and dry. After a few laps, it was time to head downstream. As we continued I caught a couple of surf waves, but noticed my energy draining and my lower back starting to hurt so I mostly looked for wildlife. I saw a few belted kingfishers, a bald eagle, hooded merganser, and watched an otter slip below the surface. What I enjoy most about this run is the wildlife and pristine scenery.

This was my first time wearing my new Sweet Protection Sweet Rocker helmet. Overall I like the helmet and would highly recommend it. It fits well and doesn’t squeeze my temple like my Wanderer II. It also has some extra layers of protection to keep my head protected from those hard elements we find upside down counting fish.

Gear Used: Jackson Antix 2 Medium, Werner Sherpa, Sweet Protection Sweet Rocker, Kokatat Drysuit, Watershed Drybag, NRS Throw Rope.