I have been a river rat since back in the 1980's and have gown to love time on the river. It's a whole new way to see the world in a new light. Far more wild life to see and a part of the scenery one seldom is able to see. Vicki and I are building a new white water 14 ft Cateraft. It is a two seater and the frame is a combination fishing/ white water type. We have in the past used a 17 ft fiberglass drift boat and made the decision to move into a cat boat so we can be more versatile. We have run the Skagit, Sauk, Snohomish system, many of the coastal rivers have seen my drift boat with a steelhead or two on board,Yakima canyon as well as the Lochsa in Idaho all in the drift boat. We would love to do some over night trips as well as many day trips. If anyone on here has any experience and would like to plan some joint trips please chime in and we can make it all happen. We had hopes of having the new boat ready this past spring, but with retirment and building a new home it took a back burner. I am hoping to have the new boat all finished and operational by early spring in order to have fun this year. I know it's not off roading but it is a form of overlanding, just on the water instead of the backroads. If you have never tried it, it is a wonderful way to see the beauty of nature in a whole new prospective. We seldom do rivers with more than a class 3+ rating. Nice easy kick back floats can be a truly wonderful way to spend a day exploring just another aspect of Gods wonderful creation alone or with a small group of friends.
top of page
NWOL EST. 2006
ADVENTURE TRAVEL ENTHUSIASTS DEDICATED TO OVERLAND EXPLORATION
bottom of page
Glad to see this getting some attention! We have logged many many fun relaxing miles of river water. Jason, you asked about logistics of getting back to vehicle etc. We usually take our two Jeeps, drop one at the take out point and one at the place we put in. When float is finished, load up and go get other rig or one of us will stay with boat and other drives up and swaps rigs. Kind of time consuming with only two people, but a larger group simplifies it greatly. You get the picture. Some river systems have shuttle drivers who will do the shuttling for a fee.
Lets try and plan a day trip next summer to help some get their feet wet so to speak and see what it's all about! A beautiful fun trip we have done three times now, starts on the Yakima river up near highway ten (start of Bluet pass) and floats down to the take out near the diversion dam above Ellensburg. Some very mild bumpy water, gorgeous scenery etc. It's about a 4-5 hour trip depending on time spent enjoying highlights along the way. Lunch on the river bank is super fun! Keep posting up here folks and we can make it happen! I would love to plan this trip. Late june through late Aug is the best time, as the water is warmest.