Suskwa River
RIVER BETA
Locale: Hazelton, BC
What It's Like: Three canyons with boulder gardens in between
Class: III
Scouting: Most of the river is read-and-run. First and Third Canyons: can be scouted from river left (cannot see all the way to the bottom). Take outs for scouting are well upstream of the rapids for Canyon 1 and 3. Second Canyon: can be scouted from river right.
Portages: No required portages. First and Third Canyons cannot be portaged. Second canyon can be portaged on river right at lower water levels.
Egress: The Suskwa FSR is on river left along the length of the run; however, access to the river is very steep in some locations making egress challenging.
Level: There is no gauge for the Suskwa.
Time: 2-3 hours
When To Go: May to August, depending on river level
Other Beta: The Suskwa flows into the Bulkley upstream of the Bulkey Canyon run. It is possible to link the two runs for a long day or an overnighter.
DESCRIPTION
Description
The Suskwa is a classic grade III run in the area, boasting a variety of river features and beautiful scenery. The run begins with a some lower grade boulder gardens and lots of eddies to catch. The middle section is characterized by three canyons where the more challenging white water begins. Scouting the first and third canyons only gives a view of the top section. The bottom has to be scouted as a read-and-run rapid but keep an eye out for wood. The bottom of the third canyon can be scouted from the trail to the old suspension bridge. The second canyon can be scouted most easily on river right. The end of the run turns back to boulder gardens and opens up at the takeout bridge.
Put in
The put in is at the bridge immediately before a gate across the road, at approximately 14.5km on the Suskwa FSR. Park on the river left side of the road and walk to river right.
Take out
The takeout is at the lower bridge over the Suskwa, on a spur road from the Suskwa FSR. From Highway 16, drive approximately 5km up the Suskwa FSR. Turn left at the Y-junction and follow the road down to a bridge crossing the Suskwa River.