The Northwest Creeking Competition was founded in 1997 in response to a proposed hydropower project on Canyon Creek, Washington. The project failed because it was not economically viable at the time, but it could be revived at any time. In 2010, an enormous logjam formed on Canyon Creek and the competition was moved to nearby East Fork of the Lewis River. The logjam on Canyon Creek came out in the MLK Day flood 2011, and NWCC organizers are excited to expand the event to include races on both rivers in 2011.

The East Fork of the Lewis and several other rivers in southwest Washington are currently under consideration for Wild and Scenic River designation. This designation protects the free-flowing nature of rivers for their outstanding recreational, fisheries, wildlife, historical and scientific values. The East Fork of the Lewis River is one of the few remaining undammed rivers in southwest Washington and is one of the most important fisheries in the lower Columbia River basin.

A coalition of environmental and recreation groups have formed Volcano Country Wild Rivers, an organization dedicated to build support for passing Wild and Scenic legislation to protect 200 miles of rivers and streams in southwest Washington. The Northwest Creeking Competition supports this effort and appreciates the participation of member organizations, including American Whitewater. Please visit their website: www.volcanocountryrivers.org