King County is alerting Green River boaters of a fallen tree that is spanning the entire channel and creating a potentially hazardous condition along a stretch of the river within Flaming Geyser State Park.
For a map of the river stretch and photo of the spanning log, visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/recreation/boating/rivers.aspx, and click on the link “Fallen tree spans Green River near Flaming Geyser.”
The recently fallen cottonwood tree lies partially submerged and spans the entire river channel approximately 500 feet downstream from the put-in location known to boaters as the “Yo-Yo Stretch.” This stretch of river runs from Flaming Geyser State Park to the Whitney Bridge at 212 Way Southeast.
Warning signs directing boaters to exit the river have been posted at two locations upstream of the cottonwood tree. Boaters should note there is a lower put-in location in the park downstream of the log that avoids the fallen tree hazard.
Spring is peak season for kayaking, and the Yo-Yo Stretch with a Class II boater rating is a popular training run.
King County Water and Land Resources Division staff and river safety experts are investigating the tree hazard to determine next steps necessary to address public safety concerns.
