Put-Ins, there are multiple options for this section, either starting just below Similkameen Falls (the pull-out not the campsite), which gives you some nice warm-up class III rapids and one really fun IV- drop just before Copper Creek.
You can start at the bridge on Placer Forest Service Road over the Similkameen, or you can even put on and run the waterfall that is under the highway on Copper Creek through a unique tunnel!
A novelty waterfall after a tunnel under Highway 3
Photo Lucy Arndt
Take-outs are optional too... the ~40km full run goes all the way to Princeton, taking out at either A&W or 2 rivers park!
When the local clubs have trips planned they have access to the private residence at Elkridge which cuts 14km off the trip. This can be a put-on for some chill Class II+ / III- rapid down to Princeton too!
Midway Take-out - To make the run much shorter, find a take-out roughly 8km along Placer Forest Service Road (along Copper Creek). From the highway turn south down the FSR (check out Copper Falls under the highway) drive down across the river, following road up and right and then take a left branch about 0.5km up the road, avoid the left branch at 2km but stay left for all other branches, at about 7km there is a cattle-gate at a narrow bridge, be sure to close the gate after you and then shortly after 8km look for a left spur that leads down to an informal campsite by the river. The last 20m of so are steep and rough, recommend 4WD/AWD only, and you may want to park up the hill and leave your car their for the shuttle instead. Most 2WD cars could make it to there.
Length of run varies on which section combo you are doing.
Similkameen Falls to Copper Creek - 4.2km (Class III with one IV-) Copper Creek to Mid take-Out- 7.2km (Class III+/ IV-) Mid take-out to Elkridge - 17km (Class IV) Elkridge to Princeton - 14.1km (Class II+/III-)
There is also 20km of class II/III whitewater above Similkameen Falls, portaging around the falls would probably require walking along Highway 3 for 0.5km. Similkameen Falls to my knowledge has not been run, but maybe in the age of drone scouting it will soon.
Levels 20cm/s Low Water 35cm/s Medium Water 50cm/s High Water 90cm/s turns into big volume class IV - makes the run a lot shorter time wise and the last 12km becomes quite fun! 135cm/s is the highest known descent so far and significantly harder!
Run description... Mostly read and run for comfortable class IV boaters, doing the half run to the midway point is a very friendly class IV-, whereas the second half through the second canyon has the more difficult class IV whitewater.
After Placer FSR bridge the action gets underway fairly soon, around the first one or two corners the first canyon begins. It's all read and run for those skilled enough to be in here at these levels with big holes, haystacks and headwalls that create big boils and eddy lines. After a quick blast there is a bit of a break before the action ramps up again and all too soon you're out of the first canyon and into a stretch of flatwater. This first canyon is similar to the Nahatlatch canyon at equivalent water levels or an easier version of Skookumchuk Creek.
If taking out at the mid-way point be sure to be watching a GPS or keeping your eyes glued to the right bank, you'll see the road just a bit above the river and then around the next couple of bends watch out for the campsite which is easy to miss!
Exiting the 2nd Canyon
There is a long section of flat water between the canyons so be prepared for a long day and a long paddle!
The second canyon, which is longer, more constricted and more continuous with more difficult moves. This canyon has very different geology from the first as well as going under/through/around the mine. Where it constricts at the mine and goes around a few bends is a highlight of the run. You get nearly vertical canyon walls and a 20-30 foot wide river, machinery and equipment around, conveyor belts going over the river transporting ore from one side to the processing plant on the other, the remains of the old Similkameen Valley Railway (a branch of the Kettle Valley Railway) preserved as old trestles at the top of the canyon. Eventually you will also pass the tailings ponds contained as a giant earthen dam. At some points you'll also notice bad smells coming from the water, mind the water quality after passing the mine. All of this is happening as you're facing what most consider the most difficult whitewater of the run!
Once through this stretch and some more flats you'll arrive at a nice beach with a really good, friendly surf wave. This is a great place to relax and catch some surf.
On river right is Elkridge Outdoors which can only be used as a take-out when kayaking events are run through one of the local clubs.
The last stretch of flats (12 km or so) actually isn't bad as there are some waves, small rapids and decent boofs adorning the river.
Take out at either A&W or Two Rivers Park where the Tulameen meets the Similkameen.
Other rivers in the area... More sections of the Similkameen, Tulameen, Granite Creek, Ashnola, Pasayten River, Hayes Creek, and a few on the way from Vancouver on Highway 3, Skagit River, Sumallo Riverm, Nicolum River, Silverhope River.
