Megi Morishita running Hard Hat Drop, video still by Tom O'Keefe

Bridge River, class IV
GAUGE: Visual. Although it's difficult to determine from a remote location, once you're at the river there are several places where you can see into the canyon and assess the situation. You may be able to get partial discharge for the run from BC Hydro which controls release into the upper river at Terzaghi Dam (the gauge indicating outflow from the dam appears to no longer be available). If you can find it, release at the dam can be added to the discharge of the Yalakom River which actually provides most of the flow for this run. Expect flows of approximately 8.5 cms (300 cfs) which is the combined flow of the Bridge and Yalakom Rivers. This run could be more exciting as discharge increases.

SEASON: Dam regulated. Consistent flows are likely, but not guranteed, through the summer. One bit of good news for boaters is BC Hydro has been working with native groups to restore fish runs on this river which has resulted in better flows for boaters (read more about water use planning on the Bridge). While in the past this run was often too low to run in mid-summer, you will now likely find it with adequate water.

ACCESS: From Lillooet (Yahoo map) head north along the west bank of the Fraser River. Near the end of town you will reach a turn-off for the Bridge River. It's 3.9 miles (6.2 km) from here to the bridge across the Bridge River. For the take-out park here or back track 0.4 miles (0.6 km) to a pull out along the Fraser. From the bridge continue up the river along river left. You'll pass Applespring Creek at mile 7.3 (11.7 km) and a good camping site between the road and the river at mile 10.2 (16.3 km). Continue on to mile 14.2 (22.7 km) to view the Coliseum, and continue on as the road winds down the hill and reaches the Yalakom River bridge at mile 16.5 (26.4 km). There is a pull-out on the east side of the bridge. Respect private property along the road here.

CAMPING: There is a lot of private land along the road that parallels the river so camping sites are limited. The best spot is upstream from Applespring Creek 10.2 miles (16.3 km) up from the bridge.

DESCRIPTION: An awesome river--16 miles (26 km) through a river canyon of impressive scale. Betty Pratt-Johnson's guidebook description characterizes the fascinating geology: "Mammoth boulders scattered like a giant's marbles, yellow talus slopes, and tapering black canyons." The run is a scenic journey through several sections of excellent class III/IV technical whitewater. While the action is not continuous there is still plenty to make this a good whitewater run, and with the impressive canyon geology to hold your attention you hardly notice the flat water in between. This is a long run. Most experienced boaters will be able to boat-scout all but a few of the rapids, but it will still take 6-8 hours depending on flow and your pace. Part-time class IV paddlers can boat this run with an experienced member in the group, but stay aware of pinning hazards (there are several) and plan adequate time for portages.

The run starts at the confluence of the Bridge and Yalakom Rivers. After a short technical section the river opens up into the Coliseum, a huge bowl of talus slopes that you'll pass on the way to the put-in. Shortly after the Coliseum the river weaves through more technical boulder gardens as you approach Jade Drop. This drop is not that difficult, but it is hard to boat scout. Here you will notice that the boulders are speckled with jade. This area was once a major center of jade mining.

After you make your way through the last of the technical boulder gardens you'll find continuous class II whitewater to Camoo Creek Bridge. Although this bridge was once a potential access site, the public is no longer welcome to use it. Downstream of the bridge the action picks up again with more class III boulder gardens and some pushing class IV. Passages between boulders are narrow and require tight technical moves, but everything can be portaged without too much trouble. You can see the entrance rapid to this section, which is one of the more difficult ones, from the overlook at the camping spot upstream of Applespring Creek.

The river continues through several boulder gardens with good recovery stretches in between before letting up a bit near the confluence with Applespring Creek.

The river enters a final stretch of boulder gardens and then comes to the most difficult drop on the river at Hard Hat Drop. Shortly after passing under a set of powerlines keep your eyes open for a large wall on river left. When you can't see a clean route through get out and scout on river right. The main hazard here is pinning in the narrow passages, but otherwise the drop is fairly straightforward. The river bounces through more good boulder gardens which are mostly class III all the way to the confluence with the Fraser. You can see parts of this section from the road above as you the shuttle.

If you boat this run in August you will be treated to an incredible display of spawning sockeye salmon. They are running up the rapids as you run down. The confluence with the Fraser becomes a virtual city of activity with the tribal subsistence fishery. You may be able to get out on river right downstream of the bridge or continue out on to the Fraser. Grab an eddy and stay clear of the fishing nets.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Brian Vogt's description and photos on Oregon Kayaking.

Whitewater Trips for Kayakers, Canoeists and Rafters in British Columbia

Whitewater in BC's Southwest