Paddling on the Adams River

Adams River - The Adams River for most of the season this run is classified as Grade 2+ to 3, warm water in the summer, some braided sections, a canyon and some great play spots, however, during high water the Canyon and the Weir would be considered Class 4 type rapids, with an increase of wood and much colder water temperatures. Wood is always a concern but more so during high water, there are a couple of different channels just above the canyon which tend to change frequently, good river running scouting skills are important on this run or paddling with someone who has recent knowledge of the run.

Adams River - The Upper Adams, although "roadside", is pretty far off the beaten track. It flows through a gorgeous valley in the heart of the Shuswap Highlands. The entire riparian zone is protected by the Upper Adams River Provincial Park, which adds a nice touch of wildness to this river. This stretch contains a mix of medium volume river running through bedrock rapids and creeking on river wide, cascade or slide style features. In some ways, it feels similar to the Clearwater. The valley itself is deep with sporadic canyon walls. This would make a hike out to the road a major chore, but almost all of the sections can be managed by portaging at river level, especially on the river left. Running this section requires scouting at river level in a few locations, but most of the run can be boat scouted. The white water is sustained for long enough that it makes for a worthwhile run, even though access requires a moderate logging road drive if coming from Clearwater or north and a long one if coming from Chase or south.