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Access Site WA

Ruby Ferry

Pend Oreille River

Source: washington_department_of_fish_and_wildlife Updated 1 year ago

City: Cusick, WA
County: Pend Oreille County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 48.52093954, -117.29397108
Air Temp: --
Location
Live Webcam
Live webcam view
Nearby Gauge Conditions
Whitewater Runs on Pend Oreille River
1 run
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
Whitewater data from American Whitewater
About This Access Site
Ruby Ferry near Cusick provides a convenient public boat launch for accessing the Pend Oreille River, a major waterway that unusually flows northward through northeastern Washington. The access area is open year-round and includes a parking lot, making it a straightforward launch point for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboaters. The site is one of three primary launches along the river (alongside Ione and Newport), offering access to miles of scenic paddling with panoramic views.

The Pend Oreille River at this location is a substantial waterway with an average flow of approximately 26,500 cubic feet per second and average velocity of nearly 10 feet per second. With a gentle 2.1 ft/mile gradient, paddlers can expect moderate current conditions suitable for intermediate boaters. The river's 141-mile length and major drainage area (23,245 square miles) mean water levels can fluctuate seasonally—paddlers should check current conditions before launching. No specialized amenities like fishing platforms or hand launches are available, so visitors should plan accordingly for their boat type and needs.