Seymour River – Upper Run

Contributed by Claudia Schwab
What It's Like
Pool-drop, some flat sections, gravel bed, low volume
Class
III-
Scouting / Portaging
Scouting is easy, no portages required
Time
3 hours
When to Go
Spring run-off and rain
Gauge
1.907cms↓ (Sep 21 08:45)
This description may be outdated.

Gauge and Levels: same 'rock' gauge as for Lower Seymour. Medium: 3 – 5. High: 6-8.

Scenery: Scenic coastal rain forest valley. Mountain views.

Length of Run: 12.5 km

Length of Shuttle (one way): 11.5 km

Special Considerations: Make sure you are finished with your run before the park gate closes. You will have to check in with the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve about access and put-in and take-out location since the road to the put-in and take-out is gated. Watch for wood, especially in the upper part of the run. Watch for mountain bikers on the way back from the take-out. They don’t expect vehicles and can come down the logging road at surprising speed. Consider using your horn at blind corners.

Directions: In North Vancouver, take Exit 22 from Hwy 1. Follow Lillooet Road north past Capilano College and the North Vancouver Cemetery to Seymour Demonstration Forest (about 5 km). Check in with the park warden to get access beyond the gate. To reach the put-in, continue on the road for about 9 km. At Spur 7 turn right. Go straight onto a gravel spur and drive until you get to the river. Check with the park warden on where to take out and how to get there. 

Description: At higher water this run has lots of play waves. At lower water there are many small boulder gardens and some flat sections. Not much happens in respect to whitewater until you get to the bridge at spur 4. Below the bridge, there are several boulder gardens and near the end of the run a couple of class III. The last one has a headwall that has caused trouble for quite a few paddlers but the current take-out is above it.