Satsop River Gorge (West Fork)

A stunningly beautiful river canyon. Be aware: entering the Gorge in high water could be dangerous. This destination is likely best visited on a hot day in late summer.

From Wynoochee River Road, turn off east on FR 23. Follow FR 23, bearing right at two junctions for about 2.5mi to a bridge spanning the West Fork Satsop River on a high bridge. Just ahead on the far side is a large pullout for a trailhead for Spoon Creek Falls (marked with a post). Park here. Hike (or shuttle) back up FR 23 the way you came for about 0.5mi. Watch carefully on the right for a user trail leading down to a large fallen cedar tree that someone's been cutting up. Follow the trail downward until it becomes faint and keep going (easy bushwhacking) until you can easily drop into the river. Head downstream.

Soon the river narrows up and plunge into the gorge. The scenery is outstanding. Note the vegetation line on the canyon walls to get an idea what high flows are like through here. Use caution in making your way past several short drops / rapids. One particularly narrow channel is easily bypassed DCR. In some sections, you can hop out in the current and float along while admiring the scenery. Eventually the bridge comes into view, high overhead. Continue downstream a short distance until the narrows end and Spoon Creek enters from DCL.