Stories From The Water

Six outstanding whitewater runs to add to this fall’s “must-do” list. By Terri Cook for Westword Magazine Summer is in full swing, and the state’s rivers are primed for kayaking after all the recent rain. While paddlers might be thrilled to seize the opportunity to run a few stretches, with the waters high, it’s more important than ever to keep safety first. Matt Mattes, head guide at Dvorak Expeditions, the state’s first (and longest) licensed outfitter, says that paddlers should check run descriptions, which often depend upon the flows, and the latest water levels, before launching—while high-flowing rivers are a kayaker’s dream, they can also be a nightmare if you’re not prepared. “The rating scales have a lot to do with water levels (how big and pushy versus technical and rocky), and how accessible a run is (how far from…