Vitals
- Locale: Harrison Lake, British Columbia
- What It's Like: Boulder rapids in deep gorges, one clean waterfall. Fantastic scenery.
- Class: IV-V at normal levels.
- Scouting/Portaging: Usually easy, can be difficult.
- Level: Visual.
- Time: Day trip.
- When To Go: June to August or after rain. Will get too high at peak snowmelt.
- Info From: Early September 2009 at low water.
- Other Beta: Bellingham Whitewater, The Range Life, Gorged Out.
- Map: Click here for a map of the river zone.
Description
Both a major tributary to Upper Big Silver and the stretch of river immediately downstream are currently under direct threat for small hydro development.
Level
The level on Big Silver is visual - look into the canyons to find out if it's good. It's a long drive from everywhere, so it can be a gamble when you go there as to what the flows will be. From snowmelt, the upper run probably comes in at high water in mid-June and will run through the start of August at normal levels. Rain and unseasonable temperatures will obviously have a big effect here, and there should be a window in the spring before high water sets in. There may be a correlation with the Stave (which has a gauge with Environment Canada), although the Nahatlatch is probably a better barometer as it and the Big Silver come from the same zone.
Directions
Go to Harrison Hot Springs and take the Harrison East FSR up the east side of Harrison Lake. The kilometers are well marked the whole way. When you reach Big Silver Creek, the Harrison East FSR will begin to head up the Big Silver Valley. The put in is just shy of the 57 km marker where there is an almost roadside 30 foot waterfall. You have to bushwhack up to the road to take out - we came up between the 52 and 53 km markers. The road is dirt but it is in good shape and it is not overgrown.
River
Upper Big Silver starts at the 30 foot waterfall. Bushwhack in above. There is a huge sieve in the lead in to the falls but it is otherwise clean. Expect to paddle through 2 gorges. The first is immediately below the put in falls. The exit is obvious, after which it will be flat. The second gorge is longer, and a major tributary - Gold Creek - enters on the right about half way through. This is the creek you pass on the shuttle with the 20 footer under the bridge. Take out after the second gorge turns to flat water, or at the head of the third gorge. Expect a 10-15 minute bushwhack to the road.
The gorges and scenery on Big Silver are unparalleled. The majority of the rapids are formed by chunks of rock from the canyon walls having fallen in the river. It is similar in character to the Seymour in North Van. If it is high or too high it will be very tough kayaking.
Updated Sept 7, 2009
