Nisqually Land Trust

2007 Nisqually Land Trust River Float

July 19, 2008

Mashel/Nisqually Confluence to Wilcox Flats

July 27, 2008

Yelm (Centralia Power Station) to Old Pacific Highway

The best way to see the Nisqually River is to float it!  This July, the Nisqually Land Trust is offering two raft trips.  Each explores a different stretch of the river and both trips are  family-friendly, rated by our professional outfitter, Wildwater River Tours, as fun, easy and suitable for most people age six and up (all minors must be accompanied by an adult). Participants should be prepared for the possibility of a short walk over slippery ground when we board the rafts.. 

Raft trip reservations are $75 per person for Land Trust members; $100 for non-members.  Your trip includes a delicious catered lunch, served on the riverbank, and transportation to and from your car.  Space is limited, so make your reservations early.

July 19, 2008

Mashel/Nisqually Confluence to Wilcox Flats

Join us for an excursion down a remote 13-mile stretch of the beautiful Nisqually River. We depart from the new Nisqually-Mashel State Park, near Eatonville, and finish at Wilcox Flats, near McKenna.  Relax and enjoy a peaceful float past cedar and fir trees, and sweeping undeveloped landscapes, including the Land Trust's Powell Creek Complex, site of one of our largest and most recent acquisitions.

Instructions and Directions 

We will assemble at 9:00 a.m. at Wilcox Farm.  Buses will take us to our starting point at Nisqually-Mashel State Park.  The trip ends back at Wilcox Farm, where your car and dry clothes will be waiting for you.  The trip takes 4-6 hours, depending on river conditions.

Directions to Wilcox Family Farm

Wilcox Farm is located about 5 miles southeast of McKenna.

• Going south on I-5 from Tacoma, take exit 127            (Hwy 512 E).
• Proceed 2.4 miles to the Pacific Avenue exit (Hwy 7).
• Turn right on Pacific Ave. and go 5.2 miles to the "Roy Y". 
• Take the right fork onto Hwy 507 and stay through the town of Roy to McKenna.
• Turn left at the traffic light onto Hwy. 702 and proceed less than 1 mile to Harts Lake Loop Rd. (the first major road on the right).
• Turn right and follow that for about 4.5 miles.
• Turn right on Harts Lake Valley Road and you are there! 

From Lacey:  reach McKenna by going through Yelm by way of Hwy 510 and 507, then turn right at the McKenna traffic light.  From there, proceed to Harts Lake Loop Rd. (first major road on the right) and follow steps 6 and 7 above. 

The Wilcox Farm office is the first building on the right just down the hill.  Park opposite the office.  Bathrooms are available in the office.  We will depart as soon as everyone has boarded the bus. 

July 27, 2008

Yelm (Centralia Power Station) to Old Pacific Highway

Explore the lower Nisqually, a beautiful natural river corridor portected by Fort Lewis and the Nisqually Tribe. Watch for eagles, deer and other wildlife as you peacefully float  this 10-mile stretch of the river.

We will assemble at 9:00 a.m. at the Disabled Veteran’s Fishing Landing off Old Pacific Highway, near Lacey, where we will board a bus that takes us to our starting point at the Centralia City Light site, near Yelm.  The trip ends back at the Veteran’s Landing where your car and dry clothes will be waiting for you.  The trip will take about 4 to 6 hours, depending on river conditions.

 DIRECTIONS TO FLOAT TRIP ASSEMBLY POINT

 From Tacoma:

• Going south on I-5 from Tacoma, take exit 116 (Mounts Road/Old Nisqually).
• Turn left at the top of the ramp.
• Proceed about 1.2 miles (you will cross the Nisqually River into Thurston County)
• Turn SHARP LEFT onto 6th Avenue SE. 
• Proceed to the State of Washington lot on your right and park there.  Outdoor restrooms are available at the fisherman's landing further down the street.

From Lacey:

Take I-5 North to exit 116 (Mounts Road).

• Turn right at the top of the ramp.
• Follow instructions 3 through 5 above.

PREPARATIONS

This is a "rain or shine" event, so dress for the weather.  If it's anything like previous years, be sure to bring sunscreen!  The rafts are large enough that most people don't get wet, but you may need to step in the water so bring soft-soled shoes, suitable for slippery surfaces, that can get wet.  Bring dry shoes and clothes to leave in your car.  Life vests will be provided, as will lunch at a suitable location along the way.  Bring your camera and binoculars – Wildwater River Tours will provide "dry bags" to protect your gear.

For reservations or information call (360) 458-1111 or email us.