Winter Storm Watch
2026-04-15T23:00:00-07:00

* WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations between 10 and 20 inches possible. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph. * WHERE...Cascades of Snohomish and Northern King Counties, Cascades of Whatcom and Skagit Counties, Cascades of Pierce and Lewis Counties, and Cascades of Southern King County. * WHEN...From Tuesday morning through Wednesday evening. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult.

Headwaters In The Mystic Lake Basin On The North Side Of Mount Rainier To Northern Boundary Of Mount Rainier National Park Paddle Report

Last Updated: 2025-12-08

°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

The Whitewater River run begins at the headwaters in the Mystic Lake Basin on the north side of Mount Rainier and runs to the northern boundary of Mount Rainier National Park in Washington state.


Summary

This run is ideal for experienced kayakers and rafters, with a recommended streamflow range of 500-3000 cfs. The class rating for this run is class III-IV, with some difficult class V rapids in certain sections. The segment mileage for this run is approximately 14 miles.

There are several notable rapids and obstacles on this run, including the Entrance Exam, Chaos, and the Narrows. These rapids require expert navigation skills and are not recommended for novice paddlers. It is also important to note that Mount Rainier National Park has specific regulations for the Whitewater River run, including a limit on the number of permits issued per day and a requirement for all paddlers to have appropriate safety equipment.

Sources:

- American Whitewater: https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/1693/
- Mount Rainier National Park: https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/upload/Whitewater-River-Permit-Application.pdf

15-Day Long Term Forecast


River Run Details

Last Updated 2025-12-08
River Levels 1210 cfs (47.97 ft)
Percent of Normal 180%
Status
Class Level iii-iv
Elevation ft
Run Length 8.0 Mi
Streamflow Discharge cfs
Gauge Height ft
Reporting Streamgage USGS 12097850
       

5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail

View more

Area Campgrounds

Location Reservations Toilets
Headwaters In The Mystic Lake Basin On The North Side Of Mount Rainier To Northern Boundary Of Mount Rainier National ParkMystic Camp Preview Mystic Camp
Headwaters In The Mystic Lake Basin On The North Side Of Mount Rainier To Northern Boundary Of Mount Rainier National ParkGranite Creek Camp Preview Granite Creek Camp
Headwaters In The Mystic Lake Basin On The North Side Of Mount Rainier To Northern Boundary Of Mount Rainier National ParkDick Creek Camp Preview Dick Creek Camp
Headwaters In The Mystic Lake Basin On The North Side Of Mount Rainier To Northern Boundary Of Mount Rainier National ParkCamp Curtis Preview Camp Curtis
Headwaters In The Mystic Lake Basin On The North Side Of Mount Rainier To Northern Boundary Of Mount Rainier National ParkCataract Valley Camp Preview Cataract Valley Camp
Headwaters In The Mystic Lake Basin On The North Side Of Mount Rainier To Northern Boundary Of Mount Rainier National ParkYellowstone Cliffs Camp Preview Yellowstone Cliffs Camp
View more

River Runs