Hazard Warning: Hazard information may be user-submitted and unverified. Conditions change frequently. Always scout rapids and obstacles yourself.
Rapid WA Class III

Dragon's Back (Popeye)

Sauk - 2 - Whitechuck River to Darrington (WA)

Monitor this Rapid
Gauge Conditions
Sauk River near Sauk, WA Downstream Primary
Runnable: 2,000.0 – 15,000.0 CFS

Data from American Whitewater & USGS
Photo
Dragon's Back (Popeye)
Photo courtesy of American Whitewater
Description
Dragon's Back features a technical boulder garden with multiple channels and powerful hydraulics that demand precise boat positioning and quick maneuvering. Paddlers must navigate a series of sharp rock formations and potential sticky holes, with the main line requiring a sharp right-to-left move to avoid recirculating features near the center of the rapid. At higher water levels, the rapid becomes more challenging with increased wave train complexity and reduced margin for error.
Location
Type
Rapid
Difficulty
Class III
Mile Marker
3.9 mi
Directions
Navigate
View Full Run
2 - Whitechuck River to Darrington
Sauk
III+ 10.5 mi
Current Conditions
5-Day Forecast
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater