Removal of Condit Dam is nearing completion and we are getting ready to celebrate the moment on Saturday September 29th. For those wondering what river runners will encounter on this new stretch of river, our friends at Wet Planet offer a "Quick Glimpse" of the whitewater. PacifiCorp still has heavy equipment in and along the river that will be removed over the next couple weeks and a log jam resulting from the dam breach still needs to be addressed. It's important for paddlers to wait until this work is done and everyone considering this reach needs to understand the hazards associated with the class IV/V entrance drop into the Narrows.

 

The public is invited to the White Salmon River Homecoming, a community celebration of the river on September 29th. The event includes an opportunity to experience the river on a raft trip, share a traditional salmon bake meal prepared by Yakama tribal cooks and local gardeners, and hear updates on the removal of Condit Dam and subsequent restoration of the river. This celebration marks the return of the salmon and the beginning of the restoration process.

 

After decades of debate, deliberations, and disagreements over the fate of Condit Dam, this event is hoped to be a small step for the community toward healing these divisions. In the morning, the celebration begins with low-cost river floats for community members sponsored by Wet Planet Rafting and the outfitters of the White Salmon River. The event continues in the afternoon when community members will the be offered a seat at the table during a community salmon meal, sponsored by Yakama Nation Fisheries at Northwestern Park beginning at 3 pm. Tribal cooks will prepare salmon and fry bread for the community and donations from Trout Lake gardeners and a local orchard. Events at the park start at 2 p.m. and will include an invocation, information booths, a free dinner, and an opportunity to celebrate with other community members. The White Salmon River Homecoming is sponsored by Friends of the White Salmon River, Wet Planet Rafting, Yakama Nation and Mid-Columbia Fisheries Enhancement Group. For information or to register for the community float or salmon bake, please visit: whitesalmonriverhomecoming.eventbrite.com. Parking for the afternoon event will be at Wet Planet in Husum, with shuttles offered at regular times throughout day.

 

Event Details

 

Opening of the River: A Community Raft Float

Explore the the river’s whitewater from the seat of a raft with your fellow community members. This discounted raft trip is only available for local residents and will fill up fast! We will determine which river stretch once safety and access has been properly evaluated.

Reserve your spot by calling Wet Planet at 800-306-1673

WHERE: Wet Planet Whitewater, Husum Washington

WHEN: 9:30 am - 1pm

 

Community Salmon Bake

Share a free meal of salmon and fry bread with your watershed community. Food will be prepared by Yakama tribal cooks and local White Salmon watershed farms. Invocation by Yakama Nation. Parking at Wet Planet with shuttles to the park every 15 minutes.

WHERE: Northwestern Park, Washington

WHEN: 3pm

 

Removing the Dam and Restoring the River

Come hear from various organizations and agencies who are working to understand, protect and restore the White Salmon River.

WHERE: Northwestern Park, Washington

WHEN: 2 pm - 5 pm

 

Visit whitesalmonriverhomecoming.eventbrite.com to reserve your free meal ticket. Space is limited.