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Beaver River
About the Trip:
This trip is ideal for the canoeist who wishes to experience rapids
for the first time. There is little exposure to wind and waves thanks
to the hills, dense forest and winding nature of the Beaver River.
The one drawback is that, because of the dense forest, there are few
campsites along the river.
This trip can be recommended to any canoe party with at least one
experienced canoeist. There is one set of Class 2 rapids and 2 sets
of Class 1 rapids (known as the Grand Rapids).
Fishing for walleye and northern pike is fair to good in the Beaver
River. Watch for moose and bear as you paddle along, especially in
the early morning. Blueberries are plentiful in mid to late August.
Travel upstream would be difficult due to the dense forest around the
rapids, otherwise travel upstream should be fairly easy.
Above the Waterhen River, the water is fairly dark (brown) due to
minerals in the water. Below the Waterhen, the water is much clearer
due to the clear water coming in from the Waterhen.
Access to Starting Point:
The easiest access is at the campground on Highway 155 at the mouth of
the Cowan River, approximately 15 km north of Green Lake. An
alternate starting point is the campground just north of there (at
13744 on Map 73 J/12).
Arrangement for safe parking of vehicles can likely be made at the
R.C.M.P. station in Beauval, the end point of this trip. However, you
will also need to arrange transportation back to the campground.
Canoes may be available at one of the outfitters in Lac La Plonge.
Maps:
73 J/5 Green Lake
73 J/12 Bazill Bay
73 J/13 Durocher Lake
73 O/4 Beauval
Emergency Exit:
Should an emergency arise, you are never more than 3 km. from Highway
155. At several points, you are less then 200 m. from the highway.
By the summer of 1997, cellular service should be available as well.
The Canoe Trip:
After launching your canoe at the campground (150343 Map 73 J/5), the
first part of this trip is calm with a fair current.
Shortly after passing under a bridge on Highway 155 (153442 Map 73
J/12), there is a set of Class 1 rapids with several small islands and
possibly a log jam. Passage through these rapids may require
inspection before proceeding. The left (inside) of the curve is
probably the slowest current. Watch for branches overhanging the edge
of the river.
Fishing for walleye is reported to be good just above the rapids.
There is a good camp site at the mouth or the Waterhen River (actually
just up the Waterhen a short ways). The communication tower at 211591
Map 73 J/12 should be clearly visible as you approach the intersection
of the Beaver and Waterhen rivers.
The Grand Rapids:
Just before the Grand Rapids, there is a cable strung across the
river. This cable is used by Water Survey Canada to measure the flow
in the Beaver River. There is a set of stairs on the west side of the
river (at the base of the cable) that lead to a clearing that is
suitable for camping.
The Grand Rapids is actually two sets of Class 1 rapids, about 1
km. apart. There are a few submerged rocks that are easily avoided.
Below the Grand Rapids, the Beaver River changes character. The
current slows down and the river begins to wind back and forth.
The Dore River:
There are a set of cabins with good access to the river near the mouth
of the Dore River. If you need to camp here, try to get permission
from the landowner, if possible. Further on, there are other cabins
and pasture land where camping should be possible.
Beauval:
If you reach Beauval early in the day, you may want to consider
camping at the campground at Lac La Plonge. Beauval has all of the
services that you would expect in a small northern town, including
store, gas and medical office as well as a small air strip.
Nearby, at lac La Plonge, there are several outfitters, cabins and a
licensed restaurant.
Written by
Alfred Hovdestad
46th East College Park Scout Troup
Saskatoon, SK
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Modified on 24 Mar 97