Looking for info on class ii runs near Squamish
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Category: General
Forum Name: Whitewater Forum
Forum Discription: Open Discussion Forum. Whitewater related subjects only
URL: http://www.professorpaddle.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=13326
Printed Date: 05 Nov 2025 at 9:30am
Topic: Looking for info on class ii runs near Squamish
Posted By: Mousebob
Subject: Looking for info on class ii runs near Squamish
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2013 at 7:41pm
I'm looking to find any info on the class II runs near squamish BC. I've heard of a class II run on the cheakamus in paradise valley, but can find little info.
Also is there a beginner run on the Mamquam river? What about the squamish river below the squamish canyon run?
Any info would be appreciated!
Thanks
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Replies:
Posted By: jP
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2013 at 9:38pm
Huh. Interesting request for beta.
Class II has a wide "qualitative" range in the PNW. The majority of class II runs in Washington often seem to have their share of hazards not ideal for beginners, ironicly enough. And yes that broad generalisation is dependent on the water levels and woody debris status. But a high qaulity class II run can be hard to find if one is a beginner or looking to lead beginners. Not sure that's your story at all. Maybe you got ample skills beyond class II but just want to find some up there...
Anyone out there got a recommendation? I can contact at least one boater and maybe get back to you, but I bet someone else around here can help ya out. I'd be curious...
Lately I'm paddling a bit of class II myself. This part of the summer is ideal for taking out first timers near Leavanworth. "Cupcake" is at a really sweet level right now. Great jets of current and lots of big, deep eddies. Essentially a Class III laboratory in a Class II environment. It's pretty f'n rad. A novice can paddle around exclusively in that rapid and easily cultivate Class III fundementals.
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Posted By: James
Date Posted: 17 Jul 2013 at 9:08am
Mousebob,
The Elaho has a class II section above fear canyon and in the lower section of the run with Devils Elbow on it. The squamish river if I re-call also has a long section of class II just outside brackendale, and if you want to explore one time I drove up paradise valley road to scout a burly section of whitewater and there were about 3 bridges and 5 access points all that lead to the river which was basically class II the whole time that we could see.... that is until you reach the canyon at the top which is class V for sure. Don't put in below Daisy Lake Dam and think you can float into brackendale.
The last section of the Chilliwack is class II if I re-call, never done that part but that is what I remember.
The Thompson is not near Squamish but it is close enough and there is a class II area above the frog wave.
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Posted By: phil
Date Posted: 17 Jul 2013 at 12:06pm
Yes, there's a beginner run on the Mamquam. Put in below the falls. It is very short.
You could also go run the lower part of the Cheakamus, which is swift class II water with one easy III-ish rapid. That might be what Jiminy Creek-it is talking about? It's near Brackendale.
On the Chilliwack below the canyon there's a III (IV-) run that would be approachable. It is mostly roadside. Further downstream (below Tamahai Cr) there's a class II run with a couple surf waves.
The Capilano in N Vancouver is III- at most flows. The first 1km or so is gorged in with a couple rapids, then it opens up more. For paddlers with a roll it should be manageable.
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Posted By: James
Date Posted: 17 Jul 2013 at 1:28pm
Phil, I was not sure if they call it the Cal Cheak or Cheak that low but yea thats what I am talking about there is about 2-3 km of mixed bag class IV-V from where it parts with the HWY about 6km past the dam, and then tapers off real quick to class II.
I think you can get in where paradise valley road starts going up and take out around where the bridge is over the cheekeye river/creek. Tons of Fish in that river too, depending on the season.
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