2. Cold River - Cold Lake to Pierce Lake
WILD....a pure adrenaline rush...an exceptionally fun experience not to be missed...this route will have you 'living in the moment' like no other...an energetic combination of Class I, II and III rapids interspersed with sections of flat water extending over a 7 km distance. The only downside to this route - it is too short!
CAUTION: This is not a canoeing / kayaking route for the weekend paddler. The Class III rapids are continuous for a distance of ~ 2.5 km. The likelihood of swamping is high from large waves over-topping the sides of any open-hulled boat. Only those with significant (view this clip) Class III whitewater experience should consider paddling this route. For some fun - view this clip of a jet boat traveling the entire length of this route upstream (seems like a quick way to damage a good boat). Note that the Meadow Lake Provincial Park has posted a 'do not attempt' warning sign at the start of this route.
RECOMMENDATION: At your own risk - tubing or rafting this section is for adults only. To enjoy the experience of this great route as a group, we recommend creating a 'flotilla' by hanging onto adjacent tubes or rafts as it makes for a relatively stable floating experience. Take a few paddles with you in order to facilitate moving through the flat sections of this route and navigating through the rapids. Make sure to wear your life-jacket. Stay away from the edges of the river to avoid fallen trees.
Length: ~ 6.7 km
Time of year: All-season (June to September)
Experience required: Recommended as a tubing / rafting float route only (refer to notes above).
Noteworthy features: Beautiful clean, clear water flowing swiftly out of Cold Lake - a couple of nice Class I and II rapids in the first 2.5 km - eventually the roar of the Class III rapids can be heard for some distance as you approach them on flat water - the anticipation mounts....and then hang on and enjoy the ride! Floating speeds of up to 20 km/hr are reached through some sections of the Class III rapids. In the lower stretches of the route - pull off to the north side and stop for a break and enjoy the view from the high open banks...take a swim...then float lazily down the remainder of the route.
Access and parking: Excellent access via Hwy 919 - good parking at start and take out locations - the take out location takes some effort to access (see notes below).
Start location: The Cold River bridge on Hwy 919. Best place to park and enter this route is via the boat launch on the northwest side of the Cold River bridge.
Take out location: At the trapper's cabin on the south side the Cold River delta as it enters Pierce Lake. There is a well-used trail (click on second kmz file below) that can be driven in a two-wheel drive pick up truck. The trail is located on the east side of Hwy 919 approximately 4 km north of the turn-off to Sandy Beach. This trail apparently is also part of the 'Boreal Trail' (you'll note the signage as you drive along it). Follow the trail for 5 km - it will end up at a trapper's cabin right on the south shore of the Cold River delta. There is a significant mud hole at about 3.5 km - but it is navigable with some careful driving.
Route location (Google Earth kmz file):
CAUTION: This is not a canoeing / kayaking route for the weekend paddler. The Class III rapids are continuous for a distance of ~ 2.5 km. The likelihood of swamping is high from large waves over-topping the sides of any open-hulled boat. Only those with significant (view this clip) Class III whitewater experience should consider paddling this route. For some fun - view this clip of a jet boat traveling the entire length of this route upstream (seems like a quick way to damage a good boat). Note that the Meadow Lake Provincial Park has posted a 'do not attempt' warning sign at the start of this route.
RECOMMENDATION: At your own risk - tubing or rafting this section is for adults only. To enjoy the experience of this great route as a group, we recommend creating a 'flotilla' by hanging onto adjacent tubes or rafts as it makes for a relatively stable floating experience. Take a few paddles with you in order to facilitate moving through the flat sections of this route and navigating through the rapids. Make sure to wear your life-jacket. Stay away from the edges of the river to avoid fallen trees.
Length: ~ 6.7 km
Time of year: All-season (June to September)
Experience required: Recommended as a tubing / rafting float route only (refer to notes above).
Noteworthy features: Beautiful clean, clear water flowing swiftly out of Cold Lake - a couple of nice Class I and II rapids in the first 2.5 km - eventually the roar of the Class III rapids can be heard for some distance as you approach them on flat water - the anticipation mounts....and then hang on and enjoy the ride! Floating speeds of up to 20 km/hr are reached through some sections of the Class III rapids. In the lower stretches of the route - pull off to the north side and stop for a break and enjoy the view from the high open banks...take a swim...then float lazily down the remainder of the route.
Access and parking: Excellent access via Hwy 919 - good parking at start and take out locations - the take out location takes some effort to access (see notes below).
Start location: The Cold River bridge on Hwy 919. Best place to park and enter this route is via the boat launch on the northwest side of the Cold River bridge.
Take out location: At the trapper's cabin on the south side the Cold River delta as it enters Pierce Lake. There is a well-used trail (click on second kmz file below) that can be driven in a two-wheel drive pick up truck. The trail is located on the east side of Hwy 919 approximately 4 km north of the turn-off to Sandy Beach. This trail apparently is also part of the 'Boreal Trail' (you'll note the signage as you drive along it). Follow the trail for 5 km - it will end up at a trapper's cabin right on the south shore of the Cold River delta. There is a significant mud hole at about 3.5 km - but it is navigable with some careful driving.
Route location (Google Earth kmz file):
cold_river_-_cold_lake_to_pierce_lake.kmz | |
File Size: | 1 kb |
File Type: | kmz |
cold_river_take-out_access.kmz | |
File Size: | 3 kb |
File Type: | kmz |
Video Clip