City: Mossyrock, WA
County: Lewis County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 46.51603128, -122.63801478
Air Temp: --
Location
Live Webcam
Nearby Gauge Conditions
Real-time data from USGS Water Services
Whitewater Run
I-II
Put-in
Cowlitz - 3. salmon hatchery to Blue Creek access (The Lower)
9 ft/mi
Current Conditions
--
• 1000.00-4000.00 cfs
Cowlitz River below Mayfield DAM, WA
Whitewater Runs on Cowlitz River
3 runs (2 nearby)Difficulty Classes
I Easy
II Novice
III Intermediate
IV Advanced
V Expert/Extreme
VI Unrunnable
Position relative to this access site:
Put-in at this location
This location is on the run
Take-out at this location
Downstream from here Upstream from here
Downstream from here Upstream from here
I-II
Put-in at this location
3. salmon hatchery to Blue Creek access (The Lower)
7.5 mi
9 ft/mi
III
Take-out at this location
2. Cispus River to Barrier Dam
35.8 mi
16 ft/mi
These whitewater runs are on the same river but located more than 50 miles from this access site.
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater
About This Access Site
**Overview & Facilities**
Barrier Dam is a concrete boat ramp located near Mossyrock in Lewis County, providing year-round access to the Cowlitz River. The site includes a paved parking lot, restrooms, and an ADA-accessible fishing ramp with a concrete pad that extends to the water's edge. This makes it a convenient starting point for paddlers and boaters of various skill levels and mobility needs.
**Popular Paddling Routes**
The most popular paddling run from Barrier Dam is the drift downstream to the Blue Creek ramp, which offers a manageable section for recreational boaters and kayakers. Multiple drift options exist further downriver, including runs to Mission Bar and the I-5 boat launch. Before launching, check current water conditions and river flow, as the Cowlitz can vary seasonally.
**Practical Tips**
Note that this is an active access point with good infrastructure, but plan accordingly for parking security. The site is open year-round, making it accessible in most seasons. Whether you're starting a multi-day paddle or doing a day trip, Barrier Dam offers a solid launching point with essential amenities for paddlers heading downstream.
Barrier Dam is a concrete boat ramp located near Mossyrock in Lewis County, providing year-round access to the Cowlitz River. The site includes a paved parking lot, restrooms, and an ADA-accessible fishing ramp with a concrete pad that extends to the water's edge. This makes it a convenient starting point for paddlers and boaters of various skill levels and mobility needs.
**Popular Paddling Routes**
The most popular paddling run from Barrier Dam is the drift downstream to the Blue Creek ramp, which offers a manageable section for recreational boaters and kayakers. Multiple drift options exist further downriver, including runs to Mission Bar and the I-5 boat launch. Before launching, check current water conditions and river flow, as the Cowlitz can vary seasonally.
**Practical Tips**
Note that this is an active access point with good infrastructure, but plan accordingly for parking security. The site is open year-round, making it accessible in most seasons. Whether you're starting a multi-day paddle or doing a day trip, Barrier Dam offers a solid launching point with essential amenities for paddlers heading downstream.