See all 4 routes on Pawcatuck River
Rhode Island | Washington County / Wood-Pawcatuck watershed
Pawcatuck RiverSwitch Road Wood River Access to Westerly Municipal Boat Ramp
A longer Wood River to Pawcatuck itinerary from the Switch Road launch to Westerly’s municipal ramp.
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Route location
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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.
Waiting on forecast.
Waiting on forecast.
Plan
Plan your trip
Launch points, shuttle details, distance, and access notes.
Route logistics
Access and shuttle
A longer Wood River to Pawcatuck itinerary from the Switch Road launch to Westerly’s municipal ramp.
Access map
Put-in
Switch Road Wood River Access, HopkintonUse documented public launch points only.
Take-out
Westerly Municipal Boat Ramp, Main StreetPortage dams and fish weirs; never trespass for a portage.
Road shuttle
Access notes and hazards
Access caveats
- Use documented public launch points only.
- Portage dams and fish weirs; never trespass for a portage.
- Recheck seasonal parking, water levels and tide conditions.
Watch for
- Woodville Dam and fish-weir portages
- Tight turns and strainers
- Freshwater-to-tidal transition
Plan this paddle
Choose your trip times
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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
Pawcatuck River at Westerly, RI. 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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Gauge source
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Hourly forecast
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Next 8 hours
Short-route forecast
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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.
- Checking data sources and update times.
- 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 | Pawcatuck River at Westerly, RI |
| Discharge | Checking |
| Gauge height | Checking |
| 24h trend | Checking |
| 24h change | Checking |
| Current band | Checking |
| Rain last 24h | Checking |
| Rain last 72h | Checking |
| Air temp | Checking |
| Water temp | Checking |
| Wind | Checking |
| Gusts | Checking |
| Rain timing | Checking |
| Preferred range | 200 cfs to 600 cfs |
| Low threshold | 100 cfs |
| High threshold | 1,200 cfs |
| Evidence strength behind the range | Local route guidance |
| Gauge observed | Checking |
| Paddle Today updated | Checking |
| Main source behind this score | RiverScout Pawcatuck flow and reach guide |
| 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.
- Public accessSwitch Road Wood River Access to Westerly Municipal Boat Ramp
ExploreRI and RIDEM identify the named public launch sites.
- Scoring band200–600 cfs Class I–II planning window
RiverScout ties this window to USGS 01118500; verify live telemetry and trend before travel.
- GaugeUSGS 01118500 at Westerly
Direct Pawcatuck telemetry for the downstream corridor.
Verify it yourselfCheck the source links
Use these links to double-check the gauge, route details, and access notes before you head out.
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.
Share your trip
Keep exploring
More routes to check next
Compare another stretch on this river, or explore different rivers within 75 straight-line miles.
Quick answers
Pawcatuck River paddling FAQ
What water level is best for the Switch Road Wood River Access to Westerly Municipal Boat Ramp route on the Pawcatuck River?
Paddle Today watches Pawcatuck River at Westerly, RI and treats 200 cfs to 600 cfs as the target band for this route, with weather and recent trend included in the final score.
Where does the Switch Road Wood River Access to Westerly Municipal Boat Ramp route on the Pawcatuck River start and end?
This route starts at Switch Road Wood River Access, Hopkinton and ends at Westerly Municipal Boat Ramp, Main Street, about 16 river miles on the water.
Is the Switch Road Wood River Access to Westerly Municipal Boat Ramp route on the Pawcatuck 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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