Thompson River – Goldpan to Frog

Contributed by Claudia Schwab
What It's Like
Lots of flat water with some powerful eddylines, whirlpools and a few waves, huge volume river.
Class
III-
Time
3 hours
When to Go
Late summer and fall.
Gauge
304.0cms↓ (Mar 29 05:20)
Some of the description may be outdated.

Gauge and Levels: Environment Canada: Thompson River near Spences Bridge. Low: 300 cms, Medium: 500 cms, High: 800 cms.

Scenery: Dry desert canyon, sagebrush and pine trees.

Length of Run: About 10 km. 

Length of Shuttle (one way): About 10 km.

Special Considerations: Big, powerful and swirly water. Although the road parallels the river it is not possible everywhere to get off the river.

Directions: From Lytton drive east on Hwy 1 for about 15.5 km to a pull-out on the right just before a rail road bridge and Nicoamen River (N50 16.045 W121 24.064). This is the take-out for this run and the put-in for the canyon section. To the put-in keep driving on Hwy 1 for another 10 km to Goldpan Provincial Park.

Description: This is a good place for a first taste of paddling big swirly water. This run will test your balance and if lacking it, your rolling skills. There are a few wave trains and big eddies with boil lines and whirlpools.

Camping, Food and Non-paddling Activities: Same as for Thompson Canyon - Lytton. There is also camping at Goldpan Provincial Park.