Blum Creek To Baker Lake river run
Blum Creek To Baker Lake
During the run, kayakers and rafters will encounter several rapids, including "Corner Pocket" and "Meat Grinder." Other obstacles include log jams, overhanging trees, and boulders. It is recommended that only experienced kayakers and rafters attempt this run due to the technical nature of the rapids and obstacles.
Specific regulations for the area include a permit requirement for overnight camping and a limit of 12 people per group. Additionally, all kayakers and rafters must wear a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times on the river.
It is important to note that water levels and conditions can change rapidly, and it is recommended that those attempting this run check current river conditions and forecasts before embarking. Sources for information on this run include American Whitewater and the U.S. Forest Service.
Plan your run down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram; rain ahead of a run typically lifts flows 12-48 hours later depending on the basin.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks -- the upstream story that drives next week's flows.
Regional streamflow levels
USGS streamgauges around Blum Creek To Baker Lake -- useful for spotting upstream pulses and gauging which tributary is contributing what.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Bacon Creek Below Oakes Creek Near Marblemount | 421 cfs | → |
| Skagit River At Newhalem | 5,530 cfs | → |
| Skagit River At Marblemount | 6,710 cfs | → |
| Newhalem Creek Near Newhalem | 30 cfs | → |
| Cascade River At Marblemount | 1,150 cfs | → |
| Nf Nooksack River Bl Cascade Creek Nr Glacier | 848 cfs | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest boat launches, other paddle runs, and campgrounds so a day on the water can grow into a full weekend.
Boat launches
- National Forest Development Road 1150 Whatcom County
- National Forest Development Road 1142 Whatcom County
- National Forest Development Road 11, Concrete
- National Forest Development Road 012 Whatcom County
- National Forest Development Road Whatcom County
- Whatcom County
Other river runs
- Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie Nf/North Cascades Np Boundary To Confluence With Blum Creek
- Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie Nf/North Cascades Np Boundary To Baker Lake
- Headwaters To North Cascades National Park Boundary
- Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie Nf/North Cascades Np To Mt. Baker Wilderness Boundary
- Headwaters To U.S./Canadian Border
Whitewater safety
- Check the flow before you run
- Use the linked-gauge card and Regional Flow panel above. Class ratings change with flow -- a Class III at low water can become Class IV+ at high water.
- Know your skill ceiling
- Pick runs comfortably below your ceiling. Cold-water and big-water runs raise the consequences of any mistake.
- Wear the right gear
- Helmet, PFD, drysuit / wetsuit when water is below 60°F. Throw bag, knife, and whistle on your person, not in the boat.
- Scout, set safety, and run with a team
- Scout new rapids on foot, set safety with throw bags above the consequence pool, and run with at least one other competent paddler.
- Respect the river
- Strainers, undercuts, low-head dams, and wood can kill at any class rating. When in doubt, portage.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Blum Creek To Baker Lake as a favorite, set a discharge threshold (e.g. "alert me when flow hits 600 cfs"), and the iOS app pushes the moment the linked gauge crosses.
About Blum Creek To Baker Lake
What's the optimal flow for Blum Creek To Baker Lake?
The optimal flow depends on the section and the craft. Check the Run Details panel for the linked gauge and current status.
How fresh is the cfs reading on this page?
The linked USGS streamgauge reports continuously (every 15 minutes); Snoflo refreshes throughout the day. Hover the streamflow sparkline to read individual datapoints.
What's the whitewater class?
See the Run Details panel for the class rating Snoflo tracks for this run. Class ratings change with flow -- a Class III at low water can become Class IV in high water.
Where do I put in / take out?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions to the put-in. For shuttle planning, check the Nearby Boat Launches panel and the river run operator's site.
Can I get alerts when flows hit the optimal range?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this run, set a discharge threshold, and you'll get a push the moment the gauge crosses.
Other runs near here
Snoflo-tracked paddle runs within driving distance of Blum Creek To Baker Lake.