Notices
- Port Blakely 300 Road Gate: OPEN
- Port Blakely 340 Road Gate: OPEN
- Port Blakely 200 Road Gate: OPEN
- Recreation Hotline: (360) 345-1484
About the Take-Out Sites
The Cispus River is popular to rafters and kayakers for its many miles of continuous whitewater. The beauty and the rapids of the Cispus River make it favored by novice and advanced boaters alike. The District’s three take-out sites provide rafters and kayakers locations to enter and exit the Cispus River right before entering the Cowlitz Falls Reservoir.
Copper Canyon Creek Take-Out Site
The Copper Canyon Creek Take-Out Site is located on the south shore of the Cispus River about one mile above the confluence with the Cowlitz River. It is open from dawn to dusk.
Amenities
- Picnic Tables
- River Access
- Parking
- Portable Restrooms
Laydown Area Take-Out Site
*The Laydown Area Take-Out Site will be closed due to maintenance activities through December 2024.
The Laydown Area Take-Out Site is located on the 300 Port Blakely Road 1/2 mile upstream from Cowlitz Falls Hydroelectric Project. The Laydown Area Take-Out Site is available as a take-out for whitewater boaters and a great location for flat water kayakers to explore Lake Scanewa.
Amenities
- Picnic Tables
- River Access
- Parking
- Portable Restrooms
North Boat Launch Take-Out Site
The North Boat Launch is available to use as a take-out site when the Copper Canyon Creek Take-Out Site and the Laydown Area Take-Out Site are not available for use.
Boaters must make reservations 5 business days in advance. The North Boat Launch is located on the north side of the river just upstream of Cowlitz Falls Hydroelectric Project.
Directions to the North Boat Launch Take-Out Site: Drive to the end of Falls Road, veer left and travel down the hill toward the dam, go past the dam and drive 1/2 mile to the take-out site at the end of the road.
Amenities
- Picnic Tables
- River Access
- Parking
- Portable Restrooms
For orientation on the area, see the following map.
Additional Information
Related Documents
Helpful Links
- Port Blakely Gate Closure Information
- Gifford Pinchot National Forest Alerts & Notices
- Current Cispus River Flow near Randle
- Current Elevation of Lake Scanewa
- Current Fire Danger (IFPL)
- Cispus River Boating Information – American Whitewater
Please contact us using the form below for more information, to recommend changes to the take-out site, or this webpage.
Recreation Comment Form
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