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Nisqually Land Trust
Eighteenth Annual
"Float the Nisqually" Rafting Event
$100 per person ($75 for Land Trust members)
July 18 - Nisqually/Mashel Float Trip
July 26 - Lower Nisqually Float Trip
Float the Nisqually River with the Land Trust that is working to protect it! The Nisqually Land Trust is offering a choice of two raft trips, each exploring a different stretch of the Nisqually River. You can have fun in the water and get wet, or relax and watch for the eagles, hawks, deer and other wildlife that frequent the river. These trips are professionally outfitted and guided by Wildwater River Tours, which rates them as family friendly and suitable for most people age six and up. A delicious catered lunch, served on the riverbank, is included. Space is limited so make your reservations early. Call 360-458-1111 or email us.
Nisqually Mashel Float - July 18, 2009 (Saturday)
Our first trip departs from the new Nisqually-Mashel State Park, near Eatonville, and journeys 13 miles down a remote, mostly undisturbed stretch of the Nisqually. Along the way rafters will see sweeping undeveloped landscapes, including the Land Trust’s 421-acre Powell Creek Complex.
This beautiful property includes majestic stands of mature forest and two and one-half miles of Nisqually River shoreline. With the conservation of this property, a nearly seven-mile section of the Nisqually River is now protected, on both banks, by the Land Trust and several governmental agencies.
We assemble at 9 a.m. at the Wilcox Family Farm, near McKenna. A bus will take us to our starting point at Nisqually-Mashel State Park. The trip ends back at Wilcox Farm where your car will be waiting for you. We expect to be on the river by about 10:00 a.m. and the trip will take about 4-6 hours, depending on river conditions.
Directions From Tacoma:
Going south on I-5 from Tacoma, take exit 127 (Hwy 512 E).
Proceed 2.4 miles to the Pacific Ave. 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 proceed about 4.5 miles.
Turn right on Harts Lake Valley Road and you are there!
Directions From Lacey:
Reach McKenna by going through Yelm by way of Hwy 510 and 507,
Turn right at the McKenna traffic light.
Proceed to Harts Lake Loop Rd. (first major road on the right).
Turn right and proceed about 4.5 miles.
Turn right on Harts Lake Valley Road and you are there!
The Wilcox Farm office is the first building on the right just down the hill. Park in the lot opposite the office. We will depart when everyone has checked in and boarded the bus.
What to Bring
This is a "rain or shine" event, so dress for the weather. If it's anything like previous years, be sure to bring sunscreen!
Be prepared for the possibility of a short, slippery walk when we board the rafts. 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 that can get wet. Bring dry shoes and clothes to leave in your car. Life vests will be provided.
Bring your camera and binoculars – the float trip outfitter provides "dry bags" to protect your gear.
Lower Nisqually Float - July 26, 2009 (Sunday)
Choose this excursion and explore the lower Nisqually, a beautiful natural river corridor of rich wildlife and aquatic habitat protected by Fort Lewis and the Nisqually Indian Tribe. You will board your raft at the Centralia Powerhouse, near Yelm, and float 10 miles downriver to Old Pacific Highway in the Nisqually Valley.
We will assemble at 9:00 a.m. at the Disabled Veteran’s Fishing Landing off Old Pacific Highway, near Lacey where a bus will take 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 will be waiting for you. We expect to be on the river by about 10:00 a.m. The approximately 10 mile trip down our beautiful Nisqually River will take about 4-6 hours, depending on river conditions.
Directions 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 veteran’s fishing landing further down the street.
Directions From Lacey:
Take I-5 North to exit 116 (Mounts Road).
Turn right 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 veteran’s fishing landing further down the street.
What to Bring
This is a "rain or shine" event, so dress for the weather. If it's anything like previous years, be sure to bring sunscreen. Do bring a jacket in case the weather changes. 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 are provided by the outfitter. Bring your camera and binoculars – Wildwater River Tours will provide "dry bags" to protect your gear.
