Length of Trip: Approximately 35 kilometres (22 miles), Howe
Bay on Pierce Lake to Highway bridge north of
Goodsoil)
Time Required to Complete Trip: One to two days
Number of Portages: None
Shorelines are generally low, rocky, sandy or overgrown with aquatic vegetation. Islands are scarce; scenery is beautiful and fishing excellent. Pierce Lake contains pike, walleye, perch, whitefish and lake trout, as does Lac des Iles, except for lake trout.
For experienced canoeists who might wish to continue this canoe trip beyond its end point at the bridge north of Goodsoil, it should be pointed out that 275 metres (301 yards) below the bridge one encounters the first of a series of intermittent rapids which extend down the Waterhen River for approximately 16 to 18 kilometres (10 miles). These rapids are passable by canoe but not recommended for beginners. Experienced canoeists electing to traverse this rapid-filled stretch of the Waterhen River should be prepared to do some wading and some lining of canoes. There are no portage trails. Because of the sun's reflection on a generally east-flowing river these rapids are especially hard to judge on bright sunny mornings. Those deciding to run these rapids should do so during the afternoon or on an overcast day to minimize the blinding effect of the sun's reflection on the rapids ahead.
Completion of this 16 to 18 kilometre stretch of rapids brings the canoeist to the quiet waters of the Waterhen in the area northeast of Golden Ridge. This area is the recommended starting point for the Waterhen-Beaver River Canoe Trip No. 24. Completion of this stretch of rapids can link the two recommended canoe trips together into one longer continuous trip. Note: Do not be tempted to undertake the 16 to 18 kilometre stretch of rapids unless you are an experienced canoeist, prepared for some wading and a certain amount of damage to your canoe.
The generally low, marshy shores of Lepine Lake present few good natural campsites. Best choices are along the north shore on flat spots well above the slope and back from the water's edge. There is a well used campsite at the east end of Lepine Lake on the north shore at the start of the outlet.
Shortly after leaving Lepine Lake the canoeist will encounter the first rapids. It is recommended that the cautious canoeist land and survey these rapids from the high banks of the north shore. Depending upon the canoeist's experience and prevailing water levels a descent through these rapids can be planned or a decision made to wade down through the shallower water close to shore guiding the canoe by hand.
There are several further sets of moderate rapids which will require a similar procedure. Confidence in one's judgement and canoeing skill is quickly gained in this way. None of these rapids could be considered truly dangerous and scrapes to the canoe bottom are the major risk.
It should be noted that there are some beautiful natural campsites on sand ridges overlooking the river between Lepine and Lac des Iles. There are also a wide choice of fine sand beach campsites on the north shore of Lac des Iles.
Strong winds can make Lac des Iles extremely rough. Under such conditions it may be advisable to portage across the peninsula near the east end of the lake thereby avoiding exposure to the big seas sweeping in from the west. There is no portage trail but the peninsula is semi-open and easy to traverse.
The Waterhen River at the east end of Lac des Iles is wide, deep and slow-flowing. It becomes progressively shallower and swifter. Watch for rocks when approaching the end point of this trip which is the Highway bridge.
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