Pine River Boat Launch

The Pine River runs low more often than you'd expect, even after rain. During dry spells the ramp barely reaches usable water and you'll be dragging your hull through gravel. Check USGS flow data before you make the drive — if it's been a drought stretch, save yourself the trip.

When the steelhead and salmon are running, this place gets packed and the anglers line up right at the launch. Don't expect anyone to move out of your way while you're trying to put in a kayak or canoe. Early morning weekdays are your best bet for an uncontested launch.

The ramp ices up fast once temps drop below freezing, and nobody plows or sands it. Bring your own bucket of sand and run four-wheel drive if you're launching in cold weather. Sliding a trailer down an icy ramp toward moving current is not how you want to start your day.

There's noticeable current and some rapids right near the put-in. If you're launching kayaks or canoes with beginners, expect at least one person to tip in the first couple minutes. Gear down tight and secure anything you can't afford to lose — the river bottom eats sunglasses and phones.

The ramp itself was built in 2014 and it's in good shape — two lanes, 30 trailer spots, and a bathroom on site. Dirt road in but nothing rough. When the water is up, this is one of the easiest launches around. Just don't count on the restroom being clean during peak fishing season.