Access Site
WA
Olequa Creek
Cowlitz River • Hill Creek • Olequa Creek
Source: washington_department_of_fish_and_wildlife Updated 1 year ago
City: Castle Rock, WA
County: Cowlitz County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 46.36808765, -122.93417070
Air Temp: --
Location
Live Webcam
Nearby Gauge Conditions
Real-time data from USGS Water Services
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
Upstream from here (16.2 mi from take-out)
3. salmon hatchery to Blue Creek access (The Lower)
7.5 mi
9 ft/mi
III
Upstream from here (22.8 mi from take-out)
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
**Location & Access:**
The Olequa Creek boat ramp is located near Castle Rock in Cowlitz County, accessible from I-5 via the Barnes Road exit. Head west approximately 3 miles to Imboden Road, then follow it toward the river and turn left on Miekler Road through farmland to reach the launch. Note that signage is minimal, so directions may be difficult to spot. The launch features a concrete ramp situated at a large pool where Olequa Creek meets the Cowlitz River.
**Paddling & Boating Context:**
This ramp serves as the takeout point for the popular Mission Bar to Olequa drift section of the Cowlitz River. The location offers access to a major river system popular for recreational boating and fishing. Paddlers using this site typically complete multi-mile float trips starting from upstream put-ins like Blue Creek or Mission Bar ramps. The Cowlitz is a substantial river system suitable for various water craft, including kayaks, canoes, and larger boats.
**Practical Considerations:**
Parking is available at the site. Due to the remote location and minimal signage, visitors should confirm directions before arriving. This access point is primarily used as a takeout rather than a put-in, making it ideal for planning downstream float trips from upper Cowlitz ramps.
The Olequa Creek boat ramp is located near Castle Rock in Cowlitz County, accessible from I-5 via the Barnes Road exit. Head west approximately 3 miles to Imboden Road, then follow it toward the river and turn left on Miekler Road through farmland to reach the launch. Note that signage is minimal, so directions may be difficult to spot. The launch features a concrete ramp situated at a large pool where Olequa Creek meets the Cowlitz River.
**Paddling & Boating Context:**
This ramp serves as the takeout point for the popular Mission Bar to Olequa drift section of the Cowlitz River. The location offers access to a major river system popular for recreational boating and fishing. Paddlers using this site typically complete multi-mile float trips starting from upstream put-ins like Blue Creek or Mission Bar ramps. The Cowlitz is a substantial river system suitable for various water craft, including kayaks, canoes, and larger boats.
**Practical Considerations:**
Parking is available at the site. Due to the remote location and minimal signage, visitors should confirm directions before arriving. This access point is primarily used as a takeout rather than a put-in, making it ideal for planning downstream float trips from upper Cowlitz ramps.