See all 6 routes on Snoqualmie River
Washington | Snoqualmie Valley / King County
Snoqualmie RiverRichter / Neal Road access to Tolt-MacDonald Park boat launch
An approximately 8-mile lower-valley Snoqualmie paddle from the Richter / Neal Road WDFW access to the Tolt River confluence and Tolt-MacDonald Park.
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Need to know
Why this call
Route overview
Trip details
Access rules, camping, seasonal conditions and trip length.
Distance, difficulty, rules and camping
Plan ahead
Tomorrow and the weekend
Forecasts can change. Check current conditions again before leaving.
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Plan
Plan your trip
Launch points, shuttle details, distance, and access notes.
Route logistics
Access and shuttle
An approximately 8-mile lower-valley Snoqualmie paddle from the Richter / Neal Road WDFW access to the Tolt River confluence and Tolt-MacDonald Park.
Access map
Put-in
Richter / Neal Road access, WDFWUse only the documented public access sites and posted approach.
Take-out
Tolt-MacDonald Park boat launch (imagery-derived water-entry edge)Recheck live flow, trend, wood, weather, crowding and any temporary closures on launch day.
Road shuttle
Access notes and hazards
Access caveats
- Use only the documented public access sites and posted approach.
- Recheck live flow, trend, wood, weather, crowding and any temporary closures on launch day.
- Do not trespass or use private banks as emergency access without permission.
Watch for
- USGS 12149000 trend and rain-driven rises
- Strainers, cold water and fast current
- Private banks, crowding and access parking
Plan this paddle
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Conditions
Water levels, gauge history, and hourly forecast
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USGS measurements
More about this gauge
These measurements come from the gauge station. Water depth and current can differ along your trip.
River camera · USGS
View at the gauge
Snoqualmie River near Carnation, WA. This view may be outside your paddling reach. Images are periodic and do not establish safe conditions.
Gauge detail
Water-level history and forecastDetailed view
Gauge
Recent trend
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Route gallery
Photos
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Score & sources
Why this score
See the gauge, weather, and source notes behind today’s call.
Why this scoreData reliability: checking
This rating reflects whether the gauge measures this part of the river, whether published water-level guidance is available, and how recently the data was updated.
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- Checking evidence cautions.
Data behind the scoreWater levels, published guidance and update times
These readings and published water-level limits help explain today’s score.
| Gauge site | Snoqualmie River near Carnation, WA |
| Discharge | Checking |
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| 24h trend | Checking |
| 24h change | Checking |
| Current band | Checking |
| Rain last 24h | Checking |
| Rain last 72h | Checking |
| Air temp | Checking |
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| Wind | Checking |
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| Rain timing | Checking |
| Preferred range | 500 cfs to 1,600 cfs |
| Low threshold | 400 cfs |
| High threshold | 3,000 cfs |
| Evidence strength behind the range | Local route guidance |
| Gauge observed | Checking |
| Paddle Today updated | Checking |
| Main source behind this score | American Whitewater Snoqualmie Falls to Fall City reach |
| Gauge source | Checking |
| Weather source | Checking |
| Rainfall source | Checking |
NotesWhat to know before you go
These notes cover the access details, route quirks, and source caveats most likely to matter once you get there.
- Named reach and accessRichter / Neal Road access to Tolt-MacDonald Park boat launch
American Whitewater, Fall City Community Park and WDFW document the public access sequence and high-use Class I–II corridor.
- Scoring band500–1,600 cfs broad planning window; 400 cfs minimum cue; 3,000 cfs review ceiling
American Whitewater identifies roughly 467 cfs as low runnable on the reach and documents beginner floats and higher-flow reports. Verify the live gauge, trend, rain, wood and local notices before travel.
- Direct gaugeUSGS 12149000 near Carnation
Direct Snoqualmie River telemetry for the valley corridor.
Verify it yourselfCheck the source links
Use these links to double-check the gauge, route details, and access notes before you head out.
- American Whitewater Snoqualmie Falls to Fall City reach
- American Whitewater Plum Landing access
- American Whitewater Neal Road access
- Fall City Community Park river access
- Float Snoqualmie entry and exit sites
- Mountaineers Snoqualmie River paddling routes
- King County Tolt-MacDonald Park and Campground
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Richter access
- USGS Carnation gauge
Paddler reports
Recent notes from paddlers
A few quick notes from people who were on this route recently.
Reports
Paddler reports
See recent photos and notes from people on the route.
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More routes to check next
Compare another stretch on this river, or explore different rivers within 75 straight-line miles.
Quick answers
Snoqualmie River paddling FAQ
What water level is best for the Richter / Neal Road access to Tolt-MacDonald Park boat launch route on the Snoqualmie River?
Paddle Today watches Snoqualmie River near Carnation, WA and treats 500 cfs to 1,600 cfs as the target band for this route, with weather and recent trend included in the final score.
Where does the Richter / Neal Road access to Tolt-MacDonald Park boat launch route on the Snoqualmie River start and end?
This route starts at Richter / Neal Road access, WDFW and ends at Tolt-MacDonald Park boat launch (imagery-derived water-entry edge), about 8 river miles on the water.
Is the Richter / Neal Road access to Tolt-MacDonald Park boat launch route on the Snoqualmie River suitable for beginners?
This is listed as an easy route, but conditions still matter. Check today's score, water level, weather, and access notes before you go.
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