1. Martineau River - Martineau River Bridge to Cold River Bridge
MAGNIFICENT....an excellent two-day adventure...from as near to the headwaters of the Waterhen River system as road access will allow...approximately 30 km of the Martineau River followed by 17 km on the northeastern edge of Cold Lake...treed banks right to the rivers edge...mature spruce, fir, pine, aspen...an abundance of wildlife, waterfowl and various raptors...an almost continuous series of Class 1 rapids throughout the entire 30 km of river interspersed with flat water...the paddle down the northeastern edge of Cold Lake is spectacular (particularly if there is a northwest wind)...there are several shoreline locations to stop and enjoy the warm, sandy beaches.
For some local history of the Martineau River / Cold Lake area here is some interesting commentary from Harold McNeill who lived with his family on the northern edge of Cold Lake in the mid-1940s:
Martineau River logging camp
Martineau River hauling logs and ice
Martineau River emergency trip
Martineau River wolves
Martineau River near accident on the dock
This is a two-day paddle - several reasonably good camping spots can be found near the mouth of the Martineau River as it flows into Cold Lake ( you will also find cell service right at the mouth of the river).
Length: ~ 47 km
Time of year: All-season (June to September)
Experience required: Probably not for the novice paddler - some experience is useful - if water levels are low expect to navigate (and hit) many boulders throughout the first 30 km while navigating the river section.
Access and parking: Excellent access via Hwy 919 - good parking at start and take out locations.
Start location: The Martineau River bridge on Hwy 919 (~ 40 km).
Take out location: The Cold River bridge on Hwy 919 (~ 15 km).
Route location (Google Earth kmz file):
For some local history of the Martineau River / Cold Lake area here is some interesting commentary from Harold McNeill who lived with his family on the northern edge of Cold Lake in the mid-1940s:
Martineau River logging camp
Martineau River hauling logs and ice
Martineau River emergency trip
Martineau River wolves
Martineau River near accident on the dock
This is a two-day paddle - several reasonably good camping spots can be found near the mouth of the Martineau River as it flows into Cold Lake ( you will also find cell service right at the mouth of the river).
Length: ~ 47 km
Time of year: All-season (June to September)
Experience required: Probably not for the novice paddler - some experience is useful - if water levels are low expect to navigate (and hit) many boulders throughout the first 30 km while navigating the river section.
Access and parking: Excellent access via Hwy 919 - good parking at start and take out locations.
Start location: The Martineau River bridge on Hwy 919 (~ 40 km).
Take out location: The Cold River bridge on Hwy 919 (~ 15 km).
Route location (Google Earth kmz file):
| Martineau River - Martineau River Bridge to Cold River Bridge (Hwy 919).kmz |