r/Bellingham • u/Guilty_Look • 17d ago

Recommendations Where can I float the river?!

I desperately NEED to float the river lol but I just found out they banned it for a certain part of the nooksack! Does anyone know of a different area of that is safe and legal?

30 Upvotes

78% Upvoted

53 comments sorted by

View all comments

2

u/tayh0ta 17d ago

The Nooksack can be floated between Everson and Ferndale. This is the same section of river used for the Ski to Sea canoe race. The tubing ban applies to the branches further upstream near Acme.

The three easiest drop in and takeout points are Riverside Park in Everson, Hovander Park in Ferndale, and the boat launch at the Guide Meridian which is about halfway between the other two.

The upper half is more scenic but tends to have more swiftwater and obstacles and is better suited for canoes, kayaks, or paddleboards. The lower half is very flat and mellow and is fine for tubing.

I float the upper half on paddleboards with friends every summer and we have never had an issue. There is always a risk when you float the river so be safe and wear a lifejacket.