The Queets is a great beginner river on the Olympic Peninsula, WA. It’s one of the state’s last real “wild” rivers, meandering through and unpopulated, roadless old-growth valley along the Pacific Coast.
Access: the trail is unmaintained. You’ll need to bushwack or play trail-tracker to get upstream. The remnant trail runs along the North side of the river, opposite the trailhead, so you’re best off jumping in the boat immediately and paddling across the river, then proceeding up from there.
Hazards: Wood. The river actively meanders, meaning it’s still toppling old growth spruce & cedar into its waters in the natural cycle. Be alert for sweepers and logjams. Otherwise, there’s one mellow Class 2 rapid and some riffles.
Depth: varies seasonally. The Queets is a good size river in the rainy season, and navigable throughout summer.
Weather: Rainy, cloudy, occasional sun. The Queets sits near the Hoh rainforest, between the Pacific Ocean and the olympic mountains. Recommend some warm clothing and a raincoat.
Temperature: A little chilly. Partly fed by olympic snowmelt.
You can basically hike as far as you like up the Queets Valley, all the way into the heart of the olympics, but even 15 or 20 miles up you’re still in rainforest and hills, so it’s not a fast trip into the high peaks. It’s good for a day hike or overnight going up, then a fast float out. Technically, you could also look at doing a long approach to the mountains (perhaps Olympus), play in the high country, then use rafts to make your epic trip out a lot easier and more stylish.
Perks for the Burly: The the Queets is near the Washington Coast, meaning you can go play in the surf afterwards. Technically, you could float all the way to the ocean, but you’d end up a long, long ways from your rig if you only have one. In any case, the surf can be fun for the experienced and prepared. I usually find 2-3 foot swell.