Paddling on the Elk River

Elk River - This is an excellent section if your working on your skills, or are finishing up the day with an in-town paddle. This section is class 2 with easily portaged class 3-4 wood hazards just above town if you're the slightest bit hesitant with your ability. During the summer you will find many drift boats fishing here as its a world famous trout hatchery.

Elk River - "Warmest" run in the Canadian Rockies! This is a great class 3 run with a hint of 4 at higher waters within Phillips Canyon. The Put-In is class 3 and the commercial companies use sleds to drag there gear down, but you won't be so lucky so bring some carpet and the last pitch is the worst. The take-out is riverside.

Elk River - Simple Section with some eddies to play with. Most features are at the put in, and its an excellent location for beginners or the daring squirt boat! Nice lunch spot on river right at waterfall.

Elk River - Easy run, however there is log jams and trees are know to fall across the river around the corners and bends. One play wave, sort of if its in and was until the 2013 floods but its coming back. Just watch for wood, and if in doubt it can be walked.

Elk River - Short steep section on river packed with multiple drops, a few tricky portages and culminating in a large clean waterfall. Often best in early spring or late fall if you want to catch triple drop and good flows. Otherwise you will find a tricky portage on river left. Shortly afterwords there is a portage around an unrun rapid before seal launching back in for Leap of Faith.

Elk River - Short, (~30min) but very intense Class 4 canyon run that starts just below waterfall. You have to be comfortable to run Class 4 as once you are in, there is no way to get out. Scout/portage options are limited in the canyon and there is a wood hazard in the rapids.

Elk River - This run is frequently paddled in the early spring and fall time as a classic class 4 section. Late spring and mid-summer levels are often high and/or in flood stage which is solid class 5 big water. Some consider these levels great for Stikine training. Swims at these levels pose serious drowning potential, people have swum the entire canyon before. There are always new pieces of wood in the canyon, consult with the Elk Whitewater group for the up-to-date beta. This has also been paddled in winter during the warmer days.