The river changes in character once again as it crosses under the Highway 7 bridge. Those without access to the key (needed for access to the lower takeout at the Nisqually confluence) will need to take out here, but those who continue will be rewarded with some really neat conglomerate walls and an old forest not often found in the Puget Sound lowlands. There is no significant whitewater in this reach but you will need to be on your toes for wood hazards.

Those who have another half day to kill and want a mellow class II exploratory trip could even continue down the Nisqually . The next access point is the bridge in McKenna at 14 miles downstream, but at 3000 cfs on the Nisqually you move along at a good pace. The only obstacle is a lowhead dam that must be portaged. It is a real drowning machine so pay attention to the warning signs and get out on river right.