Chehalis River, whitewater kayaking

Chehalis River
Gauge: There is a staff gauge upstream river right of the take-out where the river emerges from the canyon (photo). A level of about 9.5 m is the approximate cutoff for the Statlu Creek section and even then you'll be bumping your way down a bit. This is however a decent medium-low flow for the main Chehalis run. While this gauge is not a real-time station, you can check nearby gauges on the the BC river levels page. During the winter rainy season, something around 30-32 cms on Stave R above Stave Lk and 10-10.5 cms on Slesse Cr Nr Vedder Crossing (be sure to switch the views to discharge) should get you in the ballpark for medium flows. During the spring snowmelt season actual flows on Chehalis River will likely be lower relative to those on the Stave River. You can also check in with the Chehalis River Hatchery at 604-796-2281 and they can provide information on whether the river is running low, medium, or high.

Season: Typically best in spring around the month of April, but also good through the fall and winter with rain if the freezing level is not too low.

Logistics: Nearest town: Harrison Mills (map). From Highway 7 that runs along the north bank of the Fraser River head toward Harrison Lake, and turn north on Morris Valley Road which is to the west of the bridge across Harrison River (keep an eye out for the Sasquatch Inn which is on the corner here and the sign to Hemlock Recreation Area). Follow Morris Valley Road 0.5 km (0.3 miles) to a four way stop. The road up to the left (the Chehalis Valley Logging Road) heads to the put-in. To reach the take-out continue straight and 6.1 km (3.8 miles) from the turn-off from Highway 7 you will cross the Chehalis River. There are nice day use picnic areas on the upstream side of the bridge. It's best if you can set a drop shuttle as it can be a slow trip up the logging road to the put-in. To reach it, head back towards highway 7 and at the four-way stop drive up the logging road to the west. Take this road 14.5 km (9 miles) up to the bridge across Statlu Creek (photo). This is one alternative for a put-in. If flows are a bit low or you want to avoid the slightly more challenging rapids on Statlu then continue up the road to a point (16.3 km) 10.1 miles from the four way stop. Here the main road bends hard to the left and an unimproved dirt road that transitions to an informal trail heads down to the river. It's about a quarter mile hike down to the river and the last little bit is somewhat of a scramble. Low elevation snow can sometimes limit travel on this road. You could try checking conditions with the Chilliwack Forest District 604-702-5700.

Description: The Chehalis is one of southwest BC's paddling gems. The river is a great destination for a group composed of paddlers with varying skill levels. Intermediates will enjoy the challenge of wonderful pool-drop rapids and more advanced paddlers will find numerous fun play spots. Everyone will enjoy the impressive bedrock canyons and crystal clear water. High water runs can be a real treat for those with the skills to safely paddle this remote bedrock river canyon.

Trips on the Chehalis typically start with a short run down Statlu Creek which is a major tributary of the Chehalis. It's a couple kilometers from the bridge down to the confluence with the Chehalis River. This run on Statlu Creek is slightly more challenging than the Chehalis and could be considered class III/IV. It starts out with fairly continuous boulder garden rapids characteristic of what you can see from the downstream side of the bridge at the put-in. Soon however the river begins to cut its way down into the bedrock canyon of the Chehalis River. Once you reach this section you will find a couple of headwall rapids and some boulder gardens that are constricted within the narrow canyon walls. At moderate flows you shouldn't have trouble scouting from shore and experienced paddlers should be comfortable boat scouting. Although the overall run on Statlu is somewhat continuous there are good recovery sections and decent eddies between the more significant rapids.

The one downside of Statlu Creek is it can be a little on the low side even when the main Chehalis is at a decent level. You'll be able to check out the situation at the put-in. If you feel comfortable boating the section you can see from the put-in bridge then you'll probably be fine as the river does become a bit more constricted as you continue downstream. If however, the flow is obviously too low and you're concerned about the potential pin hazards, then you can use the alternate put-in directly on the Chehalis that requires a hike down to the river. It's a bit of a scramble but you do get to take in one more fun rapid upstream of the confluence with Statlu Creek.

Beautiful redrock geology and clear water characterize the Statlu as you make your way down to the Chehalis.

If you've made the journey to the Chehalis though Statlu Creek is not to be missed (video clip). You'll be treated to half a dozen excellent rapids as you descend through the geologic layers that form the canyon with waterfalls cascading in from the sides and beautiful hanging gardens tucked in moist pockets among the hemlock and cedar that occupy the narrow ledges overhead.

Once you're at the Statlu Creek confluence with the Chehalis, you realize that you've entered an incredibly scenic river canyon. At this point you are committed to the run. With the exception of a trail that leads out from the downstream side of Boulder Creek on river right about 1/3 of the way into the run, and that would likely be difficult to find, there really aren't any practical exits from the canyon. From the Statlu Creek confluence down to the take-out bridge where the river canyon finally opens up you have nearly 8 km of high quality class III whitewater with numerous rapids and plenty of fun play spots.

The confluence looking upstream toward the Chehalis (right in this photo) and Statlu Creek (on the left)

The first couple rapids are fun boulder gardens where the flow is constricted within the confines of the bedrock channel.

One of the first few rapids on the Chehalis encountered below the Statlu Creek confluence (view video of this rapid)

The biggest drop on the Chehalis is reached early in the run and rates class IV. Known as Landslide, the river makes its biggest vertical drop of the run where large boulders and debris that have entered the rapid from the steep face on river right create a fun technical rapid. Starting from the center, a couple of precise maneuvers keeps you on line for the final plunge through the hole at the bottom on river left. You should be able to recognize the drop from an obvious horizon line with a straight vertical wall along river left and a crumbling steep bedrock wall that slopes up on river right. Scouting along river right is possible where you can also portage the rapid if necessary (photo of portage route).

Once you've made it through Landslide you're past the most challenging rapid on the run but you've only just gotten started as there are numerous fun rapids as you continue downstream. Each one has its own unique character. The majority of the rapids are class III although there are a few memorable drops requiring more precise moves deserving of a III+ rating.

The second half of the run is characterized by numerous headwall drops like this one where the current is funneled down along one side of the river an up against a bedrock wall.

The river includes a number of fun rapids that involve weaving your way among a couple of large boulders. Several of these create some fun playspots but beware of a few holes that can swallow unsuspecting paddlers. The river also flows over some nice ledges that provide some high quality surfing. As you continue down through the second half of the run the majority of the rapids are headwall drops as the river does its best to migrate within the narrow confines of the bedrock canyon.

Crashing through the hole on one of the drops toward the end of the run.

Afternoon light filters down into the canyon.

More impressive bedrock geology near the end of the run.

The river continues all the way to the take-out with a final great set of class III headwall rapids separated by crystal clear recovery pools. You'll recognize the bridge marking the take-out and then emerge from the bedrock canyon with just a few strokes remaining as you float down the last pool to your vehicle (video clip).

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