From SCRLD Wiki
[edit] Before you float...
Please be advised that you float the Kettle River (or participate in any recreational activity in Stevens County) AT YOUR OWN RISK. Floating the Kettle is fun, but can be very dangerous. Lives have been lost to the Kettle, so always check at the local Kettle Falls Ranger Station by calling ahead and asking for advice or conditions.
Kettle Falls Ranger Station
255 W 11th Ave
Kettle Falls, WA 99141
(509) 738-6111
[edit] The Local's Advice
It's too cold to float now. Locals do not recommend floating until the spring run off is complete.
The Kettle is low in early spring due to the dams downriver being open to let the spring run-off through. The current is fast and unpredictable and many rocks are exposed. Wait until later in the season to float.
[edit] How to get there
The Kettle River is the western dividing line between Stevens and Ferry counties.
Bring two cars, driving north on Highway 395 to Orient, WA. Leave one car at the beach and drive the other to Orient. Go to the bridge and park car, unload innertubes, coolers, life jackets, and friends. Let the adults tube the water first before the children. Enter water and float all day. Bring sunscreen and apply liberally.
Imperative: Exit at the "I" beach. Many water edges are private property. If you go further than "I" beach, you might be in the rapids and it is quite dangerous when the water is high.
[edit] Facilities for Floaters
Please add here if you have any advice for where to buy equipment or get food or anything else folks floating the river might need.
Back to Recreation
