CURRENT CONDITIONS

52° F

OUTSIDE WALLA WALLA

OUTSIDE WALLA WALLA

Tucannon River

Tucannon River with Adventure Fit (Photo Credit: Gwen Dildine)

The Tucannon River is a tributary of the Snake River, flowing through the Blue Mountains and north of Dayton, Washington to its confluence. The confluence is the focus of this opportunity, utilizing the Tucannon Habitat Management Area and the Snake River. Go with the flow and enjoy a lazy section of the Tucannon River.

Overview

WHAT TO DO

Paddleboarding/ Kayaking

Utilizing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Tucannon Habitat Management Area puts folks roughly one mile upriver from the confluence. Make sure to take appropriate precautions when embarking on a water adventure, including wearing a life jacket, checking the river flow, and evaluating the stability of the bank, etc. It is a muddy entrance and the height of the bank obviously changes with the water level. As an alternative, launching approximately three miles from this location at the Starbuck/ Lyons Ferry Marina KOA and hug the shoreline back up river to the mouth of the Tucannon River.

Birding

Ideally, birding would happen while kayaking the river. At the mouth of the Tucannon River is an inlet directly upriver that attracts many waterfowl. Simply floating out in the Snake River and using binoculars so not to disturb the birds is a great way to observe. Following the shoreline is also a welcome pastime that will surely build your life list while not proceeding into the main channel of the Snake River, which sees plenty of recreational boating and barge traffic.

Fishing

A plethora of species are ready for the catchin’ in the area, including, steelhead, sturgeon, trout, walleye, catfish, and smallmouth and largemouth bass. Fishing regulations are highly specific and based on location and species. Please always consult the latest information available from the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife.

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Grouse Mountain Trail, Umatilla National Forest

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WHAT TO EXPECT

In ideal conditions, this is a relaxing float. Make sure to consider the current and your ability to paddle back to the parking area. The river quickly narrows upstream and...

WHEN TO GO

This trip is at the mercy of the river, weather, and snow pack. Proceed with caution. Remember, as an alternative, consider launching approximately three miles from this location at the Starbuck/ Lyons Ferry Marina KOA and hug the shoreline back...

HOW TO GET THERE

From Walla Walla, take HWY 125 north for three miles and turn left on Harvey Shaw Road. Follow Harvey Shaw Road for approximately 43 miles to its end at the intersection with HWY 261. Turn right on HWY 261 and...

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