Downstream gauge for Husum Falls. Use the GorgeGauge trail cam for the actual staff reading at the falls. 300–900 cfs is the classic Husum range.
Gorge River Gauges
7-day hydrographs via NOAA Northwest River Forecast Center · updated every 15 min
Columbia River Gorge
Snowmelt-driven. Joins the East Fork at Tucker Bridge to form the Hood River mainstem. Peaks in late May–June.
Long multi-day run from Glenwood to Lyle. Sweet spot 500–2,000 cfs. Classic flatwater stretch below Lyle accessible all season.
Closest Gorge-area run to Portland. Marmot to Revenue Bridge runs well 200–700 cfs. Very bony below 150 cfs.
Columbia River
at Bonneville Dam, OR · NWRFC BONO3
Main stem reference for Gorge conditions. Spring runoff (Apr–Jun) drives peak flows and the best wind/kite season.
Portland Area
The bread-and-butter Portland run. Three Lynx to Sandstone is a classic class III–IV at 800–3,000 cfs. The Narrows below Estacada kicks up above 4,000 cfs.
Short but spicy class III–IV gorge run, 20 min from Portland. Best 400–1,500 cfs. Drops fast after rain — check this gauge before heading out.
Popular class IV just across the Columbia in SW Washington. Sunset Falls run is a Portland staple. Prime range 500–2,000 cfs, washes out fast above 3,000.