(Dee to Tucker Bridge)
 With lots of fun Class 3-3+ rapids and a couple harder rapids, this section of Hood River is a classic for intermediate boaters. With a very wide range of boatable flows, the rapids are technical boulder gardens at low flows and contain some extremely large waves and holes at high flows. The scenery is excellent throughout the run with a nice sense of isolation despite the close proximity of orchards and farms.
River Description(Kayak/Canoe/Raft)
There are several possible put-ins for this run. One of the easiest access points is on the East Fork of Hood River just below the bridge at Dee; the former site of a lumber mill. From this put-in the river consists of small continuous boulder gardens for about a 1/4 mile before the river squeezes through a short gorge which contains several fun rapids. The first is located on a sharp right turn and can sneak up on the unwary. There is a good eddy on the left to scout Cyclops where the river banks off a cliff wall on the left and plunges 4-ft. into a big hole in the center of the river. At low flows boaters can walk the rapid on the right or sneak down the right at high flows. Immediately below Cyclops the river drops down a steep boulder garden and bounces off the right wall. Below this the rapids ease until just above the confluence with the West Fork of Hood River which comes in on the left. There used to be a fun ledge drop on the right but it has filled in and is currently an easy boulder jumble.
Once below the confluence with the West Fork, the river doubles in volume and the rapids contain bigger waves and holes but there is more room to maneuver. Notable rapids are Pipeline which is on a sharp right turn just upstream of an irrigation pipe which crosses the river overhead. Pipeline is a river-wide ledge which can develop a nasty hole at high flows but can be snuck on the left or right at medium to low flows. There are several fun rapids downstream separated by smaller continuous whitewater.
As boaters approach Tucker Park the rapids pick up again with several long boulder gardens that contain good waves and holes. The largest rapid on the run begins at the second island on the run and is appropriately named, Island. There is a pool above the beginning of the rapid, a house on the right and a water pipe crossing above the river. After a short rocky drop that pushes into the right wall, there is a short pool before the second half of the rapid. Here the river drops between some large rocks which create big waves and holes at high water. The usual line for Island is middle at the top, left in the middle and then middle at the bottom. Island is difficult to scout from the river.
After Island the river continues to drop through several long, fun boulder gardens before reaching Tucker Bridge. There is a path on the right near the gauge. If anyone wants a little more time on the river, they can continue another several miles downstream and take-out at Powerdale Dam. This section contains several fun rapids that are less intense than those above Tucker Bridge. The take-out at the dam is on the left.
Hazards
Watch out for wood in the first section on the EF. At high water, there are some monster holes throughout the run. Particularly at high water, be sure to scout the take-out at the dam to make sure it is possible to stop before the dam.
How to get there
Take-out (GPS:45o39.288'N, 121o32.918'W)
From I-84 west of Hood River, take the exit 62 (W. Hood River/Westcliff) and turn right onto Cascade Ave. which turns into Oak St. Turn right on 13th St. and head south out of town. 13th eventually turns into Tuker Rd. Follow Tucker Rd. as it makes several turns and eventually goes downhill and crosses Hood River. The take-out is on river right, under the bridge.
Put-in (GPS:45o35.393'N, 121o37.713'W)
To reach the put-in continue on south Tucker Rd., turn right after .10 miles following the signs to Dee. Approximately 6.5 miles from Tucker Bridge turn right towards the old lumber mill at Dee, cross the EF of Hood River and look for a parking area on the right. There is currently a trail down to the river just downstream of the bridge.
Alternate Put-in
There are two other good access points for this run. To get to both, continue past the put-in described above and turn right on Punchbowl Rd. Stay straight at the next intersection and follow the road until it crosses the WF of Hood River. There is a parking area just before the bridge on the right near a gated road. To reach the river, pass the gate and walk down the road about .25 miles until you reach the confluence with the EF of Hood River. For rafters that don't want to carry a raft to the confluence you can slide a raft down the steep bank of the WF Hood River just a short distance past the gate. Be aware that if you choose this route you will end up upstream of Punchbowl Falls which is a portage at most flows. This is tricky to do so be sure to scout out the logistics before you lower your boat.
Gauge
Hood River at Tucker Bridge, near Hood River. 3.5' is generally a good minimum for kayaks while 4.5' is better for rafts.
Printer Friendly Description
EF Hood Word document
Paddler Comments
2007-10-23
peteg
The section from Dee to the confluence with the West Fork has changed dramatically due to high water. In general, the river has channelized creating deeper, steeper drops with more waves and less rock
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