The Dee to Tucker stretch of the Hood River is a classic Class IV run in the Columbia Gorge. Most people start in the hamlet of Dee and paddle the short, continuous section of Class III and IV rapids to Tucker Bridge. Many also choose to continue along down the Lower Hood all the way to the Columbia River for a full day trip.
There is great whitewater on the Hood River, but access is always a problem. You can get to and from the river, but you're going to have to hike your kayaks or get creative with your rafts and catarafts.
Trip Highlights
Mile 0: Put-in at Dee. Currently there is no legal way to put-in here, but American Whitewater is working on it. Right now the only legal put-in is at the confluence of the East Fork and West Forks of the Hood which requires a long carry from the Punchbowl Falls parking lot. There is also tricky access from Iowa Drive that meets the river below S-Turn.
Mile 0.5: S-Turn aka Zen Rock (IV) is a beautiful rapid surrounded by basalt cliffs. There's not much of a chance to eddy out before this rapid, but you should pull over on the left to scout since trees can get lodged here.
Zen Rock Rapid on the Hood River
Mile 1.2: The Confluence Rapid (III+) at the confluence of the East Fork and West Fork of the Hood can be scouted by eddying out on the left just before the confluence. The next 5 miles are full of fun Class II and III rapids.
Confluence Rapid on the Hood River
Mile 2.7: Upper and Lower Surf City (III+) are two distinct rapids where a pipe crosses the river. Lower Pipeline has a great play spot with eddy service.
Mile 6.2: Pipeline (IV) marks the beginning of the bigger rapids. A pipe crosses the river which signals this long, fun rapid. Most people take the channel to the right of the island.
The bottom part of Pipeline Rapid on the Hood River
Mile 6.6: At Wall Shot (IV) all the current rushes into the slightly undercut wall on the left.
Mile 6.65: Turbothrobulator (III+) requires precision to miss the nasty pourover hole on the right.
Rafts and catarafts carefully negotiating Turbothrobulator Rapid on the Hood River
Mile 7.2: Highway 35 Rapid (IV) splits the river around an island. The right channel is the most commonly run. The whitewater from here to take-out is nearly continuous.
Mile 7.6 Take-out at the Tucker Bridge or continue 6 more miles down the Lower Hood. Tucker Bridge is a tough take out for rafts, so most rafters continue down to the town of Hood River and boat ramps on the Columbia River.
