Chilliwack River - Tamihi to Pointa Vista

Contributed by Claudia Schwab
What It's Like
Some continuous boulder gardens especially at higher levels, pool drop, gravel bed, medium volume.
Class
III, one IV- @ Tamihi
Scouting / Portaging
Easy to scout
Time
2 hours
When to Go
Year round, possibly too low in winter and late summer if it does not rain.
Gauge
33.7cms↓ (Nov 21 00:05)
This description may contain outdated info.

Gauge and Levels
: Environment Canada, Chilliwack above Slesse Creek. Low: 1.1 m. Medium: 1.4 m. High: 1.7 m.

Scenery
: Although this is a populated area, there is plenty of nature around you. At the right time of the year you can see many eagles and salmon. 

Length of Run
: 3 km

Length of Shuttle (one way):
3.5 km

Special Considerations:
Watch for wood and fishermen. There have been problems with vehicle break-ins and disgruntled residents at the take-out at Pointa Vista/Osborne Rd.

Directions:
For general directions to the Chilliwack River/Vedder Crossing see (7). Park at Tamihi (kilometer 11 on Chilliwack Lake Rd from Vedder Crossing). Put-in either above or below “Tamihi Rapids”. There are two possibilities for the take-out at Pointa Vista: (1) drive back on Chilliwack Lake Rd across the bridge towards Vedder Crossing (west) for 3.5 km. Turn left on Osborne Rd. and drive to the dead end. Make sure you park well away from private driveways and exits. Take out on river right. (2) From the Tamihi parking turnout turn left onto Liumchen FSR before the bridge and stay on the left (south side) of the Chilliwack River. Drive about 3 km to a gate. The river splits in two arms at this take-out – make sure you recognize the spot and choose the left arm.

Description:
If you choose to put in above “Tamihi Rapid” scout it on the way up. At higher water it’s a busy class IV boulder garden that continues below the bridge. Around the corner there is “Campground Rapid”, which has some big holes on the left. Further downstream the river mellows but stays interesting with waves and holes all the way to Pointa Vista.