Clearwater River (British Columbia) - Boating

Boating

Whitewater rafting is offered by three companies. Interior Whitewater Expeditions has been on the river for over 20 years and has trips on several sections including Sabre Tooth Rapids and Granite Canyon. Riverside Adventures and Liquid Lifestyles operate in Granite Canyon downstream from The Kettle.

Kayaking requires expert skills for many sections of the river. Kayakers who are unfamiliar with the river should try it first at low to medium flows in July, August and September. The Clearwater River Road provides access to 30 km (19 mi) of the river. Sabre Tooth Rapids, Batholith Rapids and the 8 km (5 mi) run through Granite Canyon are the most exciting sections. Only a few expert kayakers have gone through The Kettle, rated at 6+. Many parts of the Clearwater River between Clearwater Lake and Deer Creek, a river distance of 17 km (11 mi), are accessible from the Clearwater Valley Road. Marcus Falls and Bailey's Chute require a portage and Myanth Falls is rated as 4+. The Horseshoe is the longest stretch of calm water on the entire Clearwater River. Taking out at Deer Creek is critical because downstream is the start of 10 km (6 mi) of rapids, culminating in Gattling Gorge and Helmcken Canyon. See Exploring Wells Gray Park pages 316 to 325 for a detailed description of how to kayak the Clearwater River, written by Ifor Thomas.

Canoeing. The only safe section for canoeists downstream from Clearwater Lake is around The Horseshoe meander bend. There is a put-in at Alice Creek and a take-out at Deer Creek, both on the Clearwater Valley Road. The Clearwater River between Azure Lake and the upper end of Clearwater Lake is safe for a canoeist to go downstream, but the current is too strong to go upstream and a portage trail is available.