What I Know About Mark Irving's Kalama River Work
Mark Irving is a well-known Australian freestyle kayaker who has spent time in the Pacific Northwest, including on the Kalama River in Washington State. I've seen references to guides and route descriptions associated with his name connected to that river, but I want to be honest about what I can and can't confirm here. The Kalama River is a moderate-class III to IV run on the lower Columbia River system, popular among kayakers for its scenic canyon sections and consistent flow from dam releases. It sees a lot of recreational traffic, especially in spring. I've paddled parts of it before, and it's not a beginner river. The hydraulics are powerful, and the cold water is no joke.
Mark Irving Kalama River Guide
I don't have verified details on whether Mark Irving has published an actual downloadable guide specifically titled "Mark Irving Kalama River Guide." I've come across online forums and YouTube videos where he discusses the river, and he may have shared personal notes or PDFs through private channels or at workshops. What I can tell you is that river guides like these typically include portage locations, rapid descriptions, put-in and take-out points, flow level recommendations, and hazard notes. If a guide by him exists, that's likely what it covers. For current and detailed river conditions on the Kalama, I'd recommend checking the River Reporters Network for real-time gauging station data, or looking into local kayaking groups in the Portland/Vancouver area who frequently run the river. Those communities are usually the most reliable source for up-to-date trip info and condition reports. If you're serious about the Kalama, I'd also suggest doing some research through Pacific Northwest kayak clubs or forums like KayakTalk or the local whitewater Facebook groups. People who paddle regularly tend to share solid condition updates and route details that general internet searches won't always surface.
