Rafting Toward Danger: The Roughest Stretches Of River To Float

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Story Published: May 24, 2007 at 6:16 PM PST

By Aaron Kellogg & Nick Campfield

YAKIMA -- The weather's warm, the water's high and it's a holiday weekend. All three-factors could turn a float down one of Yakima County's rivers into a deadly trip.

In just two years a half dozen people have died in water accidents in Yakima County alone. Many other people who float the rivers get stuck on islands or nearly drown, only to have search and rescue save them.

Problems begin when floaters choose the wrong section of water, which is usually too rough, too rocky or the current is too quick.

Search and rescue teams tell Action News the area near Sarg Hubbard Park is particularly treacherous and floaters should also avoid almost anywhere on the Naches River. The areas are rocky, they're dangerous and the water currents are unpredictable.

Rescue teams say there's no safe place to float, but the Yakima River Canyon above Roza Dam is typically less treacherous than other sections of the Yakima River. Water conditions are, of course, subject to weather.

If you decide to float down the river, rescue teams want you to remember to bring a life vest; they also recommend you know how to swim. Above all, they recommend you find a different way to cool off this summer, given the danger the fast moving water in these rivers can pose.

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