Floating and
Rafting the Yaak River
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The Yaak River offers a number of possibilities for both the beginner
and advanced floater. Above Seventeen Mile Bridge (located 4 miles above
Yaak Falls) and extending up to the confluence of the East and North
Fork of the Yaak, the river has a mix of gentle to moderate flows, although
there is one section of almost dead water that could prove annoying to
rafters. The rivers width varies from quite narrow above Yaak Village
to medium width below. Occasional logjams that are avoidable except in
very low water will also be encountered.
Due to the rivers narrow width and its propensity for twist and turns,
large rafts are not recommended above Yaak Village. Canoes, inflatable
kayaks and drift-boats are the best vessels for this stretch. Below Yaak
Village, the Yaak River gradually picks up width, and becomes suitable
for large rafts beginning near the Pete Creek Campground.
Below Seventeen Mile Bridge, the character of the Yaak River changes
considerably. For the four miles leading up to Yaak Falls, the river
current picks up velocity, with numerous boulders and some Class II-III
rapids. And then there is Yaak Falls, which must be portaged. There is
no easy portage of Yaak Falls. About the only way to do a portage around
Yaak Falls is to road walk from Yaak Falls down to the campground, and
then muscle the boat down a very steep, wooded embankment. Below Yaak Falls, the Yaak River flows through a canyon that has extensive
whitewater. Numerous Class II- III rapids exist, along with two Class
IV-V drops, depending on river flows. As the river moves quickly and
is hemmed in by the canyon, portaging and even scouting is difficult.
This section is for advanced rafters and kayakers only.
Yaak River : River Miles
North Fork at Canadian Border: 53
East Fork Yaak Confluence: 49
West Fork Yaak Confluence: 45
Upper Ford Bridge: 43
Yaak Bridge (Yaak Village): 34
Pete Creek: 31
Whitetail: 28
Seventeen Mile Bridge: 13
Yaak Falls: 9.2
Campground: 9
Confluence with Kootenai
River: 0
Next Page : Photographs
of the Yaak River
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