The stretch of the federally-designated Wild & Scenic Sauk River rafted commercially is between Whitechuck Creek and Bachman County Park. The mileage on this portion of the river is closer to 9 miles, although if you continued all the way to the confluence of the Suiattle River it might be 16 miles.
Even though the white water is predominantly Class III, I would be hesitant to describe the Sauk "ideal for families and beginners". Even the stretch from Darrington to the Suiattle confluence can be congested with logjams and sweepers.
Competent kayakers and rafters can tackle the Whitechuck to Bachman run, but they should be aware of the possibility of wood in the channel and, if possible, contact outfitters or other boaters who have been on the river after spring flooding.
The Sauk River is a four-star white water river adventure close to metropolitan Seattle and suitable for beginners if they are with a professional or experienced guide. The four companies that provide river rafting trips on the Sauk from May through early August are: Orion River Rafting http://orionexp.com, North Cascades River Expeditions, Downstream River Runners and Wild & Scenic River Tours.
The ideal time to river raft the Wenatchee River is between May and July. May is peak, snow-melt runoff, so the water will be cold, the air temperature in the 70s and the water level can be moderate to high. June is nice because the ambient temperature has risen considerably, while the river levels usually are still good enough to provide some exciting white water. July is typically low and slow, but the weather is reaching the high 90s, so rafting continues to be fun, but more memorable due to water-fighting and voluntary swims. Orion River Rafting provides daily, unhurried river trips out of Leavenworth, Washington. Established 1978. http://orionexp.com in reference to: "Spring mountain snowmelt creates excellent rafting conditions in the Wenatchee River." - Leavenworth, Washington - A Great Place to Visit ( view on Google Sidewiki )
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