Examining the influence of indicator variables on crowding and visitor experience: A case study of the White Salmon River in Washington

The purpose of this study was to assess social carrying capacity on the White Salmon River. The study chose a series of evaluative standards and indicator variables to test the relationship between possible predictors and feelings of crowding for river users. The study also sought to discover any relationships between the user\u27s feelings of crowding and overall visitor satisfaction. Interviews and surveys were conducted during the summer of 2009 onsite at the three possible White Salmon River whitewater exit points. The findings were analyzed using SPSS statistical software. It was found that river users were very satisfied with their river experience and were not crowded. Several indicators and evaluative standards were found to significantly affect the social atmosphere for river users