Chilliwack River
GAUGE: Chilliwack ab. Slesse Creek (be sure to switch the view to discharge) available through the BC river data page) You can also get information from Chilliwack River Rafting.
SEASON: The Chilliwack is popular with both slalom paddlers and fishermen. It offers several options and flows through several months of the year. Locals typically use the rock gauge at the top of Tamihi Rapid to refer to water level.
ACCESSS: At Chilliwack (Yahoo map), take the 119A exit off Canada Highway 1 (for Sardis and Cultus Lake) and head south towards Vedder. You'll drive through about 3 miles of shopping strip and then at 3.4 miles (5.4 km) you'll reach the bridge across the Chilliwack River (takeout for lower run). Turn east and head upstream just before crossing this bridge and follow Chilliwack Lake Road which parrallels the river. There is an access point at Osborn Rd. (4.4 miles, 7 km) for the lower section and then at 6.4 miles (10.2 km) you'll reach Tamihi Bridge (parking upstream river left). This is the site of a slalom course along with a convenient river access and campground.
CAMPING: Near Tamihi Bridge along the river downstream river left of the bridge. Small site at the put-in for the Canyon section.
There are three primary runs on this river (from upstream to downstream)
The Canyon
5.5 miles (8.8 km), class IV, most of the year but best after rainfall or with snowmelt
Access is simple as Chilliwack Lake Road parallels the entire run on river left. From Tamihi bridge continue upstream towards the fish hatchery at Slesse Creek (6 miles, 9.6 km). There is good river access (the take-out) on river left just downstream of the bridge across Slesse Creek. Continue 4 miles (6.4 km) up the road to the next bridge across the Chilliwack. This is a good access point.
The Canyon run is best at flows of 34 to 46 cms (1200-1600 cfs). At flows below 34 cms the run becomes more technical and you can still run it down to about 20 cms. At flows above 46 cms and up to 80 cms the holes start to get a little bigger and the run becomes more demanding. Above 80 cms most features are washed out.
Slesse Creek (Fish Hatchery) to Tamihi Rapid (bridge)
5 miles (8 km), class III, most of the year but best after rainfall or with snowmelt
Use the take-out for the canyon as the put-in. Ride the creek 100 yards down to the river or put in directly on the Chilliwack. The takeout is at the end of Tamihi Rapid on the downstream side of the Tamihi bridge (good access from the campground on river left). This last rapid is the most challenging on the run (class IV at higher water) and can be viewed from the bridge (photo below). Beware of fishermen. This place can be a zoo when the fish are running.
Pointa Vista (Osborn Rd.) to Vedder Crossing
4.7 miles (7.5 km), class II, fall and spring
For additional information check out the excellent article Rick "Purple" Hayes wrote for Wavelength Magazine.
For additional information check out descriptions in the following guidebooks:
Whitewater Rivers of Washington
Whitewater Trips for Kayakers, Canoeists and Rafters in British Columbia
