Get a taste of rafting on the Sauk River on Saturday

I am embarrassed to admit I had never been whitewater rafting until a few days ago.

I finally remedied that problem with a trip with Adventure Cascades, based in Darrington.

I’ll write more about the trip in a longer story soon. (In short: Whitewater rafting is AWESOME.)

For now, though, I wanted to mention that you can try rafting yourself this weekend.

Adventure Cascades is offering two-hour raft trips on the Sauk River on Saturday. The trips meet at their shop, 1055 Seeman St. in Darrington at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, but space is limited. Call 360-393-6815 if you’d like to reserve a spot.

Trips are from Clear Creek Camp to the Hampton Mill. The section includes some of the rapids that the Sauk River is famous for as well as great views of Whitehorse and other mountains. Trips are $20 and are open to those 8 and older. Bring a swimsuit and a change of clothes for after the trip. All other gear is provided.

Brian Pernick, one of the owners of the company, was my guide over the weekend and he’s a blast. He and his crew really know the Sauk. They run more trips on it than any other company.

The rafting is part of the Darrington Day, also on Saturday.

Access to the town is available on Highway 530, although a pilot car will be guiding traffic through or around the slide area.