1. Lake Wenatchee State Park to Tumwater Campground

Starting at Lake Wenatchee, most of the river is class I but you will encounter a few class II rapids in the rock gardens upstream of the bridge in Plain, an intermediate access point. A little ways downstream of Plain and after you pass the railroad bridge, you leave the vacation cabins behind and the river flows through a more remote setting as you encounter some sandstone ledges and high cliffs. The Highway 2 bridge marks the start of Tumwater Canyon and the end of this run. The river is high in the spring but can be enjoyed throughout the summer and into fall when the vine maples make for a beautiful fall colors trip. Logistics: To reach the put-in, turn off Highway 2 at Cole's Corner (Highway 2 mile 84.7) and head north on Highway 207, the Lake Wenatchee Highway. In 3.5 miles you will reach Cedar Brae Road that turns off to the left and continues 1 mile to the boat ramp in South Lake Wenatchee State Park. The boat ramp is at the outlet of Lake Wenatchee where the river starts. An alternative put-in can be reached by heading north on Highway 207 for 4.2 miles from Highway 2 at Cole's Corner, and then turning right onto Braeburn Road just before crossing the Wenathee River. A short drive parallel to the Lake Wenatchee Highway goes between Braeburn Road and the river, just downstream of the bridge on river right. The issue with this access is no parking is available at the site. Please be sure not to block access of the Braeburn Rd. residents. An intermediate access point can be reached by heading north on Highway 207 for 3.8 miles from Highway 2 at Cole's Corner, and then turning right onto Highway 209 (Beaver Valley Road). Continue down this road 4.5 miles to the bridge across the Wenatchee. Chelan PUD developed a new access point on the downstream river right side of the bridge funded by the Public Power Benefit Program. The site includes parking off the highway, a seasonal restroom, and a trail and stairway to access the river for hand carry watercraft. The take-out access is at the Highway 2 bridge across the Wenatchee River at milepost 90.5 on the downstream river right side of the bridge.