More known for its park and huck 15m waterfall near Cumberland on Vancouver Island, the Trent River also has a scenic class III canyon below the falls that can be paddled out to the ocean.
Flows
The Trent needs heavy rains to come in. The minumum flow is 15 cms on BROWNS RIVER NEAR COURTENAY (08HB026). This gauge is in a different watershed so is only an approximation. The waterfall will be better higher, maybe around 50cms (see pictures below). For the lower run, the only high water limiting factor is the significant wood hazard.
Shuttle
The trail to scout the waterfall is located just south of Cumberland on Highway 19, on the north side of the bridge (river left). There are small pullouts on either side of the freeway, but they come up quick at 110km/h. The trail leaves the highway about 200m north of the bridge, follow it about 400m downstream on river left to the waterfall. The put in for the lower run is at the base of the waterfall, ropework may be needed to lower boats.
To get to the takeout, head north on Highway 19 for 4km and take the exit for Cumberland. Turn left onto Cumberland Road, left again on Union Road, and left again onto Royston Road. Follow Royston Road under the highway and all the way down to the beach, where there are several parking options. Another takeout option is the abandoned railway bridge in Royston, this is a bit of a hike from either Cameron Road or Hatton Road.
On the water
The put in for the waterfall can either be at the highway or from a branch off the scouting trail.The waterfall is a bumpy slide into a freefall, in total about 15m high. Supposedly the landing is softer on river left where most of the current is.
Below the waterfall is a beautiful canyon with huge maple and fir trees. It even has a few friendly surf waves with eddy service, amongst creeky class III whitewater. Unfortunately, where the channel braids out there is lots of wood in play. The run is not terminally congested with wood, but be on the lookout to encounter riverwide logs in a few surprising and dangerous spots. Despite being close to town, this is a rugged canyon that would be difficult to exit in places.
Paddle out to the ocean and turn left to takeout on the seashore in Royston. Taking out earlier at the abandoned train bridge may skip a couple log jams.
Trent River Falls (15cms on BROWNS RIVER NEAR COURTENAY 08HB026). Photo Thomas Knight.
Trent River Falls (15cms on BROWNS RIVER NEAR COURTENAY 08HB026).
Trent River Falls (~50cms on BROWNS RIVER NEAR COURTENAY 08HB026). Photo Dave Prothero.
Trent River Falls (~70cms on BROWNS RIVER NEAR COURTENAY 08HB026).
Trent River Falls (~100cms on BROWNS RIVER NEAR COURTENAY 08HB026). Photo Dave Prothero.
Put in for the class III run on river left below the falls. Rope work may be required to get boats down the steep trail.
Trent River canyon.
Cruisy surf waves with eddy service.
Class III rapids.
The abandoned train bridge often collects wood. This can be used as a takeout to avoid possible logjams downstream. It's a steep hike up to the tracks.
Another takeout option on the seashore in Royston.
