8. Waterhen River - Hwy 903 Bridge to Hwy 155 Bridge
ENCHANTING...probably the most scenically-diverse section of the entire Waterhen River system...truly a gem and a 'must do'...this 45 km route is best done as an overnight expedition...there are several good camping spots at various locations in the first 25 km...recommend that the pine stand on the sharp corner at ~ 25.4 km is likely the finest spot for overnighting...bring your fishing rod as there are lots of deep fishing holes along the way...watch the beavers up close - they don't seem to be bothered by visitors...stop and explore the old cabin sites along the way but please leave these sites undisturbed...the river is gently flowing for the first 29 km up to 'the elbow' (the most northerly point of the river)...at that point - the river changes to a much faster-flowing waterway from 29 km to the bridge at 45 km...with a steady drop in elevation there are numerous entertaining Class 1 rapids to navigate...have fun!
Length: ~ 45.0 km (about 10.5 hours of paddling)
Time of year: All summer (mid-May to late September)
Experience required: Novice
Noteworthy features: The last 15 km section of this route is a treat - fast-flowing with numerous rapids.
Access and parking: Do not leave your vehicle parked unattended adjacent to either Hwy 903 or Hwy 155...it is best to use a buddy to provide drop-off and pick-up services for this route.
Start location: Northeast side of bridge at ~ 49 km on Hwy 903 - you can back a truck down the ditchline adjacent to the bridge - 4-wheel drive pick up truck recommended.
Take out location: Southwest side of bridge at ~ 41 km on Hwy 155 - you can drive into an old provincial campground site that accesses the river - even though grown over and potentially wet - the travel surface is firm - 4-wheel drive pick up truck recommended.
Route location (Google Earth kmz file):
Length: ~ 45.0 km (about 10.5 hours of paddling)
Time of year: All summer (mid-May to late September)
Experience required: Novice
Noteworthy features: The last 15 km section of this route is a treat - fast-flowing with numerous rapids.
Access and parking: Do not leave your vehicle parked unattended adjacent to either Hwy 903 or Hwy 155...it is best to use a buddy to provide drop-off and pick-up services for this route.
Start location: Northeast side of bridge at ~ 49 km on Hwy 903 - you can back a truck down the ditchline adjacent to the bridge - 4-wheel drive pick up truck recommended.
Take out location: Southwest side of bridge at ~ 41 km on Hwy 155 - you can drive into an old provincial campground site that accesses the river - even though grown over and potentially wet - the travel surface is firm - 4-wheel drive pick up truck recommended.
Route location (Google Earth kmz file):
| Waterhen River Hwy 903 Bridge to Hwy 155 Bridge.kmz |