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White Salmon

Whitewater Rafting in Washington

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When we’re not out on the water with guests, Wildwater guides are making the most of our time in White Salmon, a place full of whitewater culture, incredible scenery, good food, and an even better community. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re coming back for more, here’s our guide to experiencing White Salmon like a local.

 is the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the United States, and every one of our trips gives guests the chance to scout, and, if they’re feeling up for it, run the falls. When we’re off the clock, you’ll still find us here, kayaking it ourselves or watching others take on the drop. There are multiple viewpoints, all easy to access, making it just as perfect for a quiet hang as it is for cheering on boaters. It’s one of those places where you can sit for a while and always see something new.

is a staple of downtown White Salmon and a go-to after a long day on the river. Known for their legendary pork and pepper nachos, great burgers, and a solid lineup of beers on tap, it’s the kind of place where guides, locals, and visitors all end up. 

is located right where we operate atThe Missing Corner. This taco truck is dangerously convenient. After a full day on the river, few things sound better than fresh tacos just steps away. It’s a guide favorite for a reason.

is worth the hype- and the line. Everything is baked fresh each morning, and the selection of pastries and breads is unreal. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself planning your morning around getting there early. We definitely do.

starts near our put-in, and winds alongside the river with steady, scenic views the whole way. You’ll pass BZ Falls and likely catch glimpses of rafts and kayakers navigating the river.

is just across the river in Hood River, and is a favorite for summer nights. With a steady lineup of live music and a fun, open-air atmosphere, it’s a great place to soak up the local scene.

Some honorable mentions for guide activities:

Scrolling Facebook Marketplace for (probably unnecessary) gear purchases

Making sure we still don’t need anything at the Whitewater Bodega

Cooking dinner together after time on the water

White Salmon has a way of pulling you in, whether it’s the river, the people, or the pace of life. However you choose to spend your time here, we hope you experience a little bit of what makes it special for us, and we hope to see you out on the river.

This blog shares a local, guide-approved way to experience White Salmon, Washington. It highlights favorite spots both on and off the river, from iconic sights like Husum Falls to go-to food stops like Everybody’s Brewing and Birrieria Chivis. It also includes easy hikes, coffee spots, live music, and the simple off-duty activities guides enjoy. 

Experience the White Salmon Area Like a Wildwater River Guide

As a first-year guide, I was told all through the Wenatchee River season that the White Salmon River would feel different.

After seeing photos of past Wildwater trips down the river, I began to understand what people meant, the deep canyon, minty-blue water, towering basalt walls, and seemingly endless green. However, once I arrived at the White Salmon and experienced my first trip down the river, I began to understand just how different it truly was from the river where I had learned to guide.

Along with that realization came a desire to understand why.

What makes the White Salmon feel so different? What is happening beneath the water and along the canyon walls? What plants and animals call this place home? How has the river shaped the people and culture around it?

The more time I have spent here, the more I have realized that the answer is not one thing. It is the combination of geology, water, plants, wildlife, history, and a community that cares deeply about the river.

The White Salmon's geology may be one of the most striking aspects of what makes the river so special.

From a raft, you can look up at towering basalt and andesite walls, help your guide navigate around massive boulders in the river, and feel the river drop rapidly as it makes its way toward the Columbia. The White Salmon originates as a spring on the western slopes of Mount Adams, while Cascade Creek, one of its major tributaries, begins at the foot of the White Salmon and Avalanche glaciers.

Much of the rock surrounding the upper White Salmon is volcanic, including basalt and andesite formed through eruptions associated with Mount Adams. These resistant volcanic rocks form much of the canyon walls and river channels, while glacial deposits and other sediments contribute to the landscape around them.

The result is a river corridor that is remarkably steep and narrow. In some sections, the White Salmon flows through a gorge approximately 200 feet deep and only 30 to 100 feet wide. The Forest Service considers the area's unusual geology and glacial processes an Outstandingly Remarkable Value of the Wild and Scenic River.

From a raft, all of that geology becomes part of the experience. The rocks and canyon walls aren't just scenery, they shape the river itself, creating channels, drops, ledges, and technical features that make the White Salmon such a unique whitewater river.

And sometimes, the geology becomes part of the fun. On many of our trips, guests even have the chance to jump from a small basalt cliff into a deep pool below.

One of the biggest differences I noticed between the Wenatchee and White Salmon was how green everything felt.

The cool, shaded canyon creates an environment where plants can thrive well into the summer. Along the river and throughout the surrounding Columbia River Gorge, you'll find forests, shrubs, grasses, and an incredible diversity of wildflowers.

The Gorge is home to more than 800 species of native wildflowers and flowering shrubs, including 15 species that are endemic to the area, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world.

Some of these plants have adapted to grow directly on the basalt cliffs surrounding the river. The Columbia Gorge Daisy, for example, can be found beneath overhanging basalt cliffs, while Long-beard Hawkweed grows on dry cliffs and rocky banks. Other Gorge endemics, including Barrett's Penstemon and Columbia Kittentails, are found among rocky slopes, cliffs, and shaded banks.

Even from a raft, you can begin to notice how dramatically the vegetation changes around you. Higher elevations around Mount Adams support coniferous forests, while lower elevations throughout the Gorge transition into a mixture of forest, oak woodlands, grasslands, and shrubs.

The next time you're floating between rapids, it is worth looking up at the canyon walls. There is a lot more growing there than you might initially notice.

The White Salmon is just as alive with wildlife as it is with plants.

For those with a keen eye, there are birds, ducks, fish, mammals, amphibians, and countless insects to notice along and in the river.

The American Dipper is one of the most distinctive birds to watch for. Also known as a water ouzel, this small gray songbird is uniquely adapted to life in fast-moving water. It dives, swims, and wades through the river to feed on aquatic insects, larvae, small fish, tadpoles, crayfish, and fish eggs.

Harlequin ducks are another special sight on the White Salmon. These striking ducks spend much of their lives along rocky northern coastlines, but migrate inland during the spring to nest along clean, cold streams like the White Salmon. In late summer, the young ducks eventually head downstream toward the Columbia and the coast.

You might also catch a glimpse of a mink moving along the riverbank or a deer disappearing into the vegetation. Friends of the White Salmon River's "Ribbon of Life" series has documented everything from American dippers and Harlequin ducks to mink and frogs that rely on the river and its surrounding habitat.

And beneath the surface, the river supports an important fishery.

The removal of Condit Dam in 2011 reconnected historic fish habitat in the White Salmon River with the Columbia River. The dam had blocked upstream fish passage for nearly a century. Following its removal, scientists and tribal, state, and federal partners have worked to monitor the river's recovery and the return of native fish and aquatic species.

Of course, the water itself is one of the most recognizable parts of the White Salmon.

That minty-blue color is hard to miss, especially later in the summer. But the color is only one part of what makes the river's hydrology so unique.

The White Salmon is both spring-fed and glacially influenced. High-volume springs emerging from volcanic rocks on Mount Adams provide significant amounts of water to the river, while glacial meltwater enters through Cascade Creek and other tributaries. This combination creates exceptionally cold water and relatively consistent flows throughout the year.

The river's cool temperatures are important for more than just keeping rafters alert when they take a swim. Cold, clean water provides critical habitat for fish and other aquatic species, while springs and groundwater help sustain the river during periods when surface runoff is lower.

For our guests, this means we come prepared. Wetsuits, river shoes, and splash tops help keep everyone comfortable in the cold water, even on the warmest summer days.

The White Salmon has a history that extends far beyond the modern whitewater community.

The area has been home to Indigenous peoples since long before the arrival of Euro-American settlers, including the Klickitat people. The White Salmon area is also part of the historic lands of several Columbia Plateau tribes, including the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation.

The river's name is connected to the white-fleshed salmon that Lewis and Clark observed being caught and dried by Indigenous people near the river's mouth.

The river also holds significant cultural sites. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service identifies a Native American longhouse site and cemetery near Rattlesnake Creek as one of the earliest locations for Washat ceremonies and a place of particular religious significance to the Yakama Nation.

Today, the White Salmon has developed another distinct river culture.

From rafting companies lining the road to kayaks strapped to cars, you can feel the energy of the people who live here and those who travel here to play on the river. White Salmon has become a hub for whitewater, climbing, hiking, biking, kiteboarding, and other outdoor pursuits, while still maintaining the feel of a small mountain town.

There are great restaurants, breweries, outdoor activities, and community events, but what stands out most is how closely the community remains connected to the landscape around it.

The White Salmon's natural and cultural importance has also led to formal protections.

The National Wild and Scenic Rivers System was created in 1968 to protect free-flowing rivers with outstanding values for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. The White Salmon contains two separate designated Wild and Scenic sections. In 1986, Congress designated 7.7 miles of the lower White Salmon. In 2005, another 20 miles of the upper White Salmon and Cascade Creek were added to the system.

Importantly, these designations are not one continuous stretch of protected river. The lower and upper Wild and Scenic sections are separated by an undesignated section.

The designation recognizes the White Salmon for Outstandingly Remarkable Values including geology, hydrology, scenery, recreation, fish, and cultural resources. For the upper White Salmon specifically, geology, hydrology, and scenery were identified as Outstandingly Remarkable Values.

That protection feels fitting when you're standing in the gorge.

The White Salmon feels deeper and more removed from the world above it—a place where the landscape seems to demand your attention. It is a river that has sustained people and wildlife for generations, and one that continues to draw people here to experience, study, enjoy, and protect it.

I think that is what I was missing when I first heard that the White Salmon would feel different.

It isn't just the basalt walls, cold springs, wildflowers, or wildlife.

It is the way all of those pieces come together.

The geology shapes the canyon. The canyon shapes the water and the vegetation. The water creates habitat for fish and wildlife. The river's history has shaped the community around it, and that community continues to shape its future through recreation, restoration, stewardship, and protection.

As a guide, I get to experience a small piece of that every time I push a raft into the current.

After spending a season here, I understand a little better why everyone told me the White Salmon would feel different.

It is a river with a character all its own, and we're pretty lucky to get to spend our summers on it.

This article was informed by a combination of local organizations, land and wildlife management agencies, and resources focused on the natural and cultural history of the White Salmon River and Columbia River Gorge.

Wildflowers of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Local information about the White Salmon community, history, recreation, and native wildflowers.

Upper White Salmon Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive River Management Plan

Information about the river's geology, hydrology, wildlife, cultural resources, and Wild & Scenic River designation.

Washington State Department of Natural Resources

Background on the Columbia River Basalt Group and the volcanic geology that shaped the Columbia Basin and Gorge.

Information about the wildlife and aquatic ecosystems of the White Salmon River.

 — resources on the removal of Condit Dam and the recovery of fish passage on the White Salmon RiverBackground on the ecological changes following the 2011 removal of Condit Dam.

Upper White Salmon Wild and Scenic Rivers Act

Legislative history and information regarding the designation of additional Wild and Scenic sections of the White Salmon River and Cascade Creek.

This article is intended to share the perspective of a White Salmon River guide while highlighting some of the geology, ecology, history, and culture that make the river such a unique place. We are grateful to the organizations and researchers who work to understand, restore, and protect the White Salmon River and the surrounding Columbia River Gorge.

This blog provides the perspective of a first-year guide experiencing the White Salmon River and the area for the first time. She shares her takes on the landscape, culture, flora and fauna, rafting style, experiencing a Wild & Scenic river, and more in this piece. 

What Makes the White Salmon River So Special?

The Wenatchee River is one of Washington’s most popular rafting rivers—and for good reason. The section Wildwater runs is about 10 miles long, starting calm to get you comfortable before building into a fun, steady rhythm of Class III+ rapids. Along the way, you’ll encounter features like a cave, a small waterfall, swim spots, and plenty of splashy waves. The trip is family-friendly and set against rolling hills, blue skies, and views of the Enchantments. Wildlife sightings are common; you might spot mergansers, ospreys, or even an osprey catching a trout straight from the river. It’s an unforgettable summer experience and a highlight of any Leavenworth trip.

Wildwater’s Kayak School is a great option for those wanting a more hands-on river experience. With group classes and private instruction, they offer something for every level, from first-timers to experienced paddlers looking to refine specific skills.

This outdoor performance is truly a gem. Set in a mountain-view amphitheater, it combines the story of the Von Trapp family with beloved songs and stunning sunset backdrops. Running from July through late August, the show feels immersive and uniquely “Leavenworth.” It’s been nationally recognized for how well it captures the town’s Bavarian alpine atmosphere—and it’s absolutely worth planning your trip around.

For a unique and accessible way to experience the Enchantments, Alpine Lakes High Camp offers a collection of alpine huts centered around a cozy communal lodge, sauna, and cold plunge. Completely off-grid, you’ll bring your own food and cook with provided supplies, with no power in the cabins. It’s a comfortable way to unplug, connect with nature, and spend time with the people you’re with. In summer, enjoy nearby hiking; in winter, the area transforms into a snow-covered escape.
4. 

Fishing is a favorite for both locals and visitors, with opportunities varying by season. Common catches include rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout. Icicle Creek is especially popular for fly fishing, while Lake Wenatchee, about 40 minutes away, offers a larger lake experience. Starting July 1st, Blackbird Island Pond opens to youth, senior anglers, and anglers with disabilities.

For a relaxing day with incredible scenery, golfing is a great option. The Leavenworth Golf Club sits just outside downtown along the Wenatchee River, offering beautiful views throughout all 18 holes. Kahler Glen Golf & Ski Resort, near Lake Wenatchee, is another scenic 18-hole course. For something more casual and family-friendly, Enzian Falls Putting Course offers a well-maintained and picturesque 18-hole putting experience.

The Tumwater Twister, located near the edge of downtown, is a favorite for families and thrill-seekers alike. The ride features a 234-foot total drop and three 360° turns, all with great mountain views. The surrounding area also includes a climbing wall and mining sluice, making it a fun stop for all ages.
7. 

For a high-adrenaline adventure, Leavenworth Ziplines delivers. Choose between 5 or 9 lines as you soar up to 190 feet above Beaver Creek Valley. Highlights include a double-decker platform and a quarter-mile-long line. Be sure to check restrictions ahead of time, but for those who can go, it’s an exciting, memorable experience.

Horseback riding offers a peaceful way to see the area from a new perspective while connecting with the landscape. Ride through forests, along rivers, and into mountain terrain with options ranging from short rides to longer backcountry trips. Icicle Outfitters & Guides offers both trail rides and overnight pack trips into the Cascades, while Eagle Creek Ranch provides beginner-friendly rides and scenic day trips.
9. 

Explore Leavenworth in a fun and unique way on a guided e-bike tour. Ride through Icicle Creek Canyon, the Ski Hill area, and downtown while learning about the region and stopping for photos along the way. The tour covers about 16 miles in just over two hours, with pedal-assisted bikes making it approachable and enjoyable. Open to ages 15+ with a 250 lb weight limit.
10. 

The Ski Hill stays active all summer long, hosting events like the Wednesday Night Music Series with live music each week. It’s also a popular hub for mountain biking and hiking. Trail development in the area has been supported by the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, creating a growing network of quality trails.

Check out our recent blog post about our favorite hikes in the area! 

Tucked into the Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth is the kind of place that just feels like summer. Whether you’re out on the river, exploring mountain trails, or listening to live music as the sun sets behind the peaks, there’s something special about being here this time of year.

From high-energy adventures to slower, scenic moments, these are some of the best ways to experience Leavenworth this summer, and the ones you’ll remember long after your trip ends.

10 Adventures in Leavenworth this Summer

So you’ve just booked a trip with Wildwater...congratulations! We’re stoked to meet you and show you the river we call home.


Now you might be wondering: “What do I need to bring?” Good news! That’s exactly what this post is here for. Below, we’ll cover everything from what we provide to what we recommend you bring, plus a few things to leave at home.

We supply a wide range of gear to make your experience as comfortable, fun, and enjoyable as possible.

Every guest is fitted with a sleeveless, full-length wetsuit. Made from neoprene, these suits trap a thin layer of water against your skin to help keep you warm, especially on cooler days. On 80°+ days, wetsuits are optional.


You’ll also receive neoprene river booties in your size. These keep your feet warm and provide sturdy traction, making it easier to walk on slippery river rocks when entering and exiting the raft.


This lightweight, water-resistant pullover adds an extra layer of protection from splashes and wind. It’s especially helpful after big rapids or when temperatures drop.


 We’re proud to be the first company on the Wenatchee River that provides helmets for both guests and guides. Whether you call them “personality protectors” or “brain buckets,” they’re an extra piece of gear to help protect you and your loved ones.


 A properly fitted PFD is required for all guests. Before heading out, our guides will show you how to adjust it correctly. Whether you’re swimming intentionally or accidentally taking a dip, your PFD is an essential piece of safety gear and makes getting back into the raft easier.


Most rafts are equipped with a shared dry bag for small personal items. Space is limited, so please keep what you bring to a minimum.


We provide locking carabiners for securing water bottles to the raft. Feel free to bring your own if you have it, but we’ve got you covered if not.


As temperatures warm up, a swimsuit is a great option. It can also serve as a comfortable base layer under your wetsuit.


 On especially sunny days, a ball cap or visor that fits under your helmet can provide much-needed shade for your face.


If you may need medication during your trip, be sure to bring it. Your guide can store it in the dry bag, just communicate your needs so they can assist if necessary.

Cotton and river trips don’t mix! Instead, choose materials like fleece, wool, or polypropylene. Sun shirts and other UPF-rated clothing are also excellent depending on the weather.


A dry (and hopefully sun-warmed) towel waiting in your car after the trip is always a great call.


Prefer your own footwear? No problem! Just make sure sandals are secure and have a back strap so they stay on in the river.


Nothing ends a great rapid like losing your sunglasses mid-splash. A retaining strap helps keep them with you all day.


 Bring a reusable water bottle with a sturdy loop so it can be clipped into the raft. We recommend bottles that seal completely, no one wants a sip of river water!


Apply sunscreen to any exposed areas before your trip. Even on overcast days, sun exposure can be significant.


 Always appreciated, never required; our guides work hard to make your trip unforgettable!


These can become and unexpected hazards and are not permitted.


Loose footwear is likely to fall off and won’t perform well if you take an unexpected swim in the river.


If it can’t be clipped in, it can easily be lost, and we’re committed to keeping the river clean.


 Just a reminder: cotton stays cold and wet. It’s best to leave it at home.


 You won’t have much of a chance to use them on the water as you will need to paddle in the rapids. Your guide may be able to snap a quick photo with a phone, and sometimes professional photos are available for purchase after your trip.

We like to say the river has expensive taste.
If you wouldn’t want to lose it, we recommend leaving it behind.


You can rely on us to get you geared up and provide an unforgettable experience. 
We’ll rely on you to come ready to make lifelong memories—and have some serious fun!

What to Bring on a Rafting Trip

Your Outdoor Adventure Continues: Local Hikes Worth Checking Out


The experience of a whitewater rafting trip on the Wenatchee River is sure to create Christmas-card-worthy smiles and unforgettable memories, but your outdoor adventure doesn’t have to stop there.


We’re located in Peshastin, Washington, just four miles from Leavenworth, and our area is full of incredible opportunities to keep exploring. From stroller-friendly loops right in town to more challenging hikes for a full day in the mountains, there’s something here for everyone.


Here are some of our favorite local hikes to check out:

One of the most popular (and Instagram-worthy) hikes in the area, Colchuck Lake offers a glimpse into the stunning Enchantments region. While many backpackers explore this area over multiple days, Colchuck makes for an unforgettable day hike.


The trailhead is about 13 miles from Leavenworth (roughly a 35-minute
drive) at the Stuart Lake trailhead. Parking fills up quickly, often early in
the morning, so plan to arrive early. If the lot is full, roadside parking is
available but will add distance to your hike. A Northwest Forest Pass is required.


This is an 8-mile out-and-back trail with 2,280 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate to difficult. The trail is fairly gradual until the final mile, which becomes steeper, but that’s how you know you’re close.


At the top, you’ll be rewarded with brilliant turquoise water surrounded by dramatic peaks like Dragontail and Colchuck. In early summer, wildflowers bloom along the trail, and wildlife sightings can include chipmunks, deer, birds, and even mountain goats. On hot days, a quick dip in the lake is refreshing, but be prepared for cold water, typically in the high 50s.


Note: Dogs are not allowed on this trail.

If you’re looking for a scenic, beginner-friendly, and family-friendly hike,
Icicle Gorge Loop is a perfect choice. This trail follows Icicle Creek and passes
through a beautiful gorge—also a popular spot for local whitewater kayakers.


Located about 16.5 miles from Leavenworth (around a 35-minute drive),
this 4.2-mile loop has just 150 feet of elevation gain, making it an easy and
accessible option for all skill levels. A Northwest Forest Pass is required.


Interpretive signs along the trail offer great insight into the local environment, making it especially enjoyable for families, bird watchers, and anyone interested in learning more about the area.

For a hike close to town with rewarding views, Icicle Ridge is a fantastic option. Just two miles from downtown Leavenworth, this trail offers sweeping,
nearly 360-degree views of the surrounding area.


The hike is a 6-mile out-and-back with 1,800 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate to difficult. It begins in a shaded forest and gradually climbs to a ridge where you’ll find expansive views of Icicle Creek, the Wenatchee River, downtown Leavenworth, and the Enchantments in the distance.


Wildflowers bloom here in the summer, and no parking pass is required—making it a convenient and rewarding adventure.

Highlights include wildflowers in the summer, great views, and no parking pass necessary. This hike offers a bit of a challenge that can be done in a few hours and gives you a great idea of what the area looks like without delving far from Leavenworth.

Located right in Leavenworth, this easy, family-friendly walk is perfect for a relaxed outing. The 2-mile loop has only about 100 feet of elevation gain and is
accessible for strollers and beginner hikers.


Along the way, you’ll enjoy scenic views of the surrounding mountains and opportunities to spot birds and fish. No parking pass is required, making it an
easy addition to your day.

For a slightly less crowded alternative to Colchuck, Eightmile Lake offers a peaceful alpine lake experience with plenty of scenic variety.


This 6.6-mile out-and-back hike gains about 1,300 feet in elevation and is rated moderately difficult. Around the 3-mile mark, you’ll pass Little Eightmile Lake,
continue on to reach the main lake.

The trail features wildflowers, wildlife, a boulder field, creeks, and two lakes, all surrounded by beautiful mountain views. It’s a great spot to relax and spend time enjoying the outdoors.


We hope one (or more) of these hikes becomes part of your adventure while you’re in the area. We’re excited to be a part of your experience and to help you create lasting outdoor memories!

Sources & Acknowledgments
This guide was created using information from the following resources, along with local knowledge from our team:


● Eightmile Lake – Washington Trails Association
● Icicle Ridge – Washington Trails Association
● Icicle Gorge Loop – Washington Trails Association
● Why Colchuck Lake is the Best Day Hike – Cates Compass
● Colchuck Lake Guide – Our Adventure Journal


Trail details such as distance, elevation gain, and difficulty ratings were referenced from these sources as well as personal experiences of staff.

The experience of a whitewater rafting trip on the Wenatchee River is sure to create Christmas-card-worthy smiles and unforgettable memories, but your outdoor adventure doesn’t have to stop there.

We’re located in Peshastin, Washington, just four miles from Leavenworth, and our area is full of incredible opportunities to keep exploring. From stroller-friendly loops right in town to more challenging hikes for a full day in the mountains, there’s something here for everyone.

Our Favorite Leavenworth Hikes

Cool Off the Wild Way: Paddle the Wenatchee River with Wildwater River Guides

When the summer sun turns up the heat in central Washington, there’s no better way to cool off than grabbing a paddle and hitting the rapids with Wildwater River Guides. Based just outside Leavenworth, WA, Wildwater has been taking folks down the Wenatchee River for over 40 years—and we know exactly how to turn a hot day into a splash-filled adventure.

The Wenatchee River is famous for its warm sunshine, big wave trains, and Class III rapids that are perfect for both first-timers and seasoned whitewater lovers. With names like “Drunkard’s Drop,” “Rock and Roll,” and “Snowblind,” the rapids deliver non-stop fun while the snowmelt keeps things refreshingly cool—even on the hottest days.

But rafting with Wildwater isn’t just about the thrills. It’s about the people. Their guides are professional, safety-certified, and just the right amount of wild—bringing energy, local knowledge, and a great jokes to every trip. They’ll show you how to paddle like a pro, point out hidden wildlife, and make sure you leave the river soaked, smiling, and craving more.

Whether you’re visiting Leavenworth for the first time or a local looking to escape the heat, Wildwater River Guides offers the ultimate summer cool-down. So put on your sunscreen, grab your friends, and come ride the waves. The water’s up, the sun’s out, and the Wenatchee is calling.

 Book early during peak season—sunny weekends fill fast. And don’t forget a dry change of clothes for after—unless you don’t mind grabbing your post-ride drink at Yonder Cider (Cashmere, WA) still soaked in river glory.

When the summer sun turns up the heat in central Washington, there’s no better way to cool off than grabbing a paddle and hitting the rapids with Wildwater River Guides.

Cool Off the Wild Way

Why We “Give a Schnitzel” About Leavenworth




At Wildwater River Guides, we’ve spent decades guiding adventurers down some of Washington’s most iconic rivers—and if there’s one thing we’ve learned along the way, it’s that wild places only stay wild when we treat them with care.

That’s why we’re big fans of Leavenworth’s “Give a Schnitzel” campaign. This creatively named initiative encourages everyone—from locals to first-time visitors—to explore the outdoors responsibly, kindly, and with a little Bavarian flair.



What Does It Mean to “Give a Schnitzel”?



Leavenworth’s “Give a Schnitzel” message is all about protecting the place we all love. Through humor, heart, and helpful tips, it asks everyone to:

* Be good stewards of the land and water,
* Pack out trash and leave no trace,
* Follow fire and river safety guidelines,
* Show kindness and patience to others on the trail, the water, and around town.

It’s a reminder that outdoor adventure and community respect go hand in hand.





While we’re not officially part of the campaign, we really appreciate the message. It mirrors the values we strive to uphold every day on the river: safety, stewardship, and shared responsibility.

Whether we're briefing guests before a whitewater trip or teaching new paddlers how to respect river flow and wildlife, our goal is always to blend adventure with appreciation for the natural world. And just like *Give a Schnitzel* encourages, we believe in leading by example—both on and off the water.





Leavenworth is more than a launch point for our river trips—it’s a community built around nature, culture, and conscious living. The *Give a Schnitzel* campaign captures that spirit with charm and clarity, and we love seeing the growing momentum around thoughtful, sustainable recreation.

So next time you're gearing up for a float, hike, or weekend in the mountains, remember: it only takes a little extra awareness to make a big difference.

Because when it comes to keeping Leavenworth beautiful, clean, and welcoming—we really *do* give a schnitzel.

---

**Learn more about the campaign at:**
[

leavenworth.org/give-a-schnitzel](https://leavenworth.org/give-a-schnitzel/)

At Wildwater River Guides, we’ve spent decades guiding adventurers down some of Washington’s most iconic rivers—and if there’s one thing we’ve learned along the way, it’s that wild places only stay wild when we treat them with care.


Give a Schnitzel

The Perfect Pairing: Wildwater River Guides and Yonder East

Experience the best of Wenatchee's outdoor adventures and local flavors in one unforgettable day

Exclusive Offer: $1 off for Wildwater Guests at Yonder East

To make the best of your day, and make your trip even more rad, we have partnered with Yonder East to give you a discount on your celebratory beverage after your trip with Wildwater! It’s the perfect way to toast to your adventure and enjoy the local flavors of the Wenatchee Valley.

 to see what you get to experience after an epic day on the water!

Nature lovers and water enthusiasts can find the perfect pairing by taking a whitewater river trip with Wildwater River Guides and enjoying a crisp cider afterwards at Yonder East. Wildwater meets its guests in Cashmere, WA, which also happens to be the location of central Washington's quickly rising favorite cider spot. Wenatchee Valley is well known for being the Apple Capital and for having gorgeous rivers. Now the two have combined for a perfect day.

Since 1980, Wildwater River Guides has been touring guests down the Wenatchee River. It is our home base, and a river we absolutely adore. A couple of our favorite rapids are “Rock and Roll”, “Snowblind”, and “Granny’s Panties”. Central Washington experiences, on average, nearly 300 days of sunshine, making it one of the most popular rafting destinations in the state.We begin our trips near the Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth, and take out in Cashmere, which gives our guests the prime opportunity to experience both awesome rapids and epic natural beauty. Our top-notch equipment, highly certified guides, and exceptional guest service will provide you with a memorable experience, whether you're a seasoned rafter or a first timer.

After the river trips, we always get asked where to get a beverage or some food. Our answer? Yonder East in Cashmere. Yonder East is just minutes from the Wildwater take-out point. Their taproom offers 14 ciders on tap, including seasonal slushies and limited-edition releases. (There is even n-a slushies for the kids and non-drinkers!) There are also 3 rotating Washington-made beers for those who want to change it up. They have an expansive indoor and outdoor space, rotating food trucks, and a family-and-dog-friendly environment. It is the PERFECT spot to relax after a day of paddling. They craft their ciders from apples grown here, in the Wenatchee Valley and throughout the PNW. Talk about supporting local?!?! One of Ashley’s (our office manager) favorites is their “Palisades”. It is a dry cider that is both bright and refreshing with blackberries and sage.

Experience the White Salmon Area Like a Wildwater River Guide

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