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Toutle (IV-)

Description: The Toutle River drains off from Mt. St. Helen's and was devastated in 1980 when the mountain blew. There is still some steel rebar and logs in the river. The scenery is very beautiful, though still somewhat grayish from the eruption. Major rapids include Staircase, Teakettle, and Hollywood Gorge, an attention getting Class 4 rapid (scout recommended). The Toutle is a good spring run to perhaps combine with the Kalama River, should Weyerhauser ever decide to restore the access to the upper portions of that river.

Directions: Allow 2 1/2 hours from Seattle, take I-5 South to exit 49, WA-504. Turn east and follow Tower Rd. (WA-141) to the takeout, and onto the put-in on the NF Toutle.

Last Update 15-Dec-02