IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
Log jams are one of the greatest hazards on the Elk River .
Elko Take Out Only
Hosmer Boat Launch
Morrissey Boat Launch
Ladner Creek Waterfall
Old Townsite
Olsen ’ s Gravel Pit Ingham Highway # 3 Boat Launch Rest Area
HERON RAPID CLASS II
CAUTION STRONG CURRENT ON RIVER LEFT II Class 2 | 14.5 km | ~ 3 hours UPSTREAM OF HOSMER BRIDGE
Staying Safe in the Elk River
A River is Not a Lake ! River Experience Required .
The Elk River is a free-stone river and can change dramatically over time . A river is a dynamic and powerful force , and losing control of the situation can have dire consequences . You need to be keenly aware of your abilities and not get on the water if the river is beyond your skill level . Even a section of the river or a stream you may be familiar with can have unexpected hazards because of high water levels , new logjams , cold water , or new rapids . Being prepared , keeping a clear head , and having respect for the power of the river is essential to staying safe .
TREE DEBRIS
As the river erodes riverbanks , trees fall in and build up in shallow areas , at river bends , and upstream of bridge pillars . Tree Debris can be on any and every section of the river , including the gentle Class 1 sections , making for potentially serious hazards to river users . Logjams , strainers and sweepers can block off entire streams , and change year-toyear or even overnight . A moment of distraction and you can find yourself pinned against a mass of trees , unable to fight against the current . In the best case scenario , this will leave you stranded and in need of rescue . In the worst case , it can capsize your vessel and sweep you underneath the trees , trapped underwater . Before going out , scout out the stretch of river and consult with local experts about current log jams . See resources section for a list of local experts . When on the water , keep a clear head and look well in advance to avoid logjams .
Four Steps to Being Prepared
1
2 3
4
Learn self-rescue techniques . If you end up in the river you must know how to get out . There are techniques you can read and learn about to help prepare you for self-rescue action . Emergency Services agencies such as Search & Rescue , Fire Department take time to get notified , get on site and then determine how to reach you . Learn and know how to self-rescue . Taking a swiftwater rescue course is a great option .
Plan ahead and know before you go . Understand the section of river you are about to go on and stay within your limits . Organize a trip plan to share with family and friends that includes where you ’ re going and when you ’ re returning . For helpful tools and information visit AdventureSmart . ca
Wearing a life jacket is essential on the river . Not only does it help keep you afloat in a moving body of water , it can be the difference between life and death , even on a gentle Class I section of river , if you lose consciousness or need to self-rescue . A life jacket reduces the effort it takes to swim to safety .
Additional safety gear , such as water shoes , appropriate clothing that can keep you warm when wet , helmet , whistle , food and drinking water should be on hand . Also carry a GPS enabled device in a water proof container as many spots on the river do not have cell reception .
High Flow
As snowmelt combines with rainfall during spring season ( usually May-June , but can include April & July depending on weather ), water levels drastically increase . If the water is murky and brown it ’ s likely that water flow is high . Fast moving , high water is dangerous and should not be paddled unless you have expert river experience . Increased water levels and flooding can change river channels , move woody debris and change rapids . Water temperature is very cold as well , even into summer , plan appropriately .
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
• Call 911
• Carry a GPS enabled device in a water proof container as many spots on the river do not have cell reception .
MT . FERNIE
PROVINCIAL PARK ROAD
If you lose a tube , boat , or other vessel and cannot retrieve it make sure to report it to the local RCMP detachment at 250-425-6233 , or 911 , to avoid costly and unnecessary rescue efforts . You are responsible for collecting the lost water craft if it is safe to do so .
Log jams are one of the greatest hazards on the Elk River .
Safe Area for Tubers
Mount Fernie Provincial Park
Kokanee Spawning Late Summer
Fernie Alpine Resort
ELK RIVER DAVE THOMAS PHOTO
KIKOMUN NEWGATE RD .
KIKOMUN CREEK
FAIRY CREEK
Island Lake Lodge
North Fernie Bridge Put-in Annex Park Put-in
LIZARD CREEK
3
WEST FERNIE BRIDGE
Dogwood Park Boat Launch
P
James White Park
Fairy Creek Falls Trail
NORTH FERNIE BRIDGE
P
MT . FERNIE PROVINCIAL PARK ROAD
P
11th St .
Annex Park
4th St .
P
COKATO ROAD
TO CRANBROOK
Maiden Lake
Historic Downtown
ELKO
TO USA BORDER
93
P
2nd Ave .
3
Elk Valley Trail
Fernie Aquatic Centre
COAL CREEK
RIVER ROAD - CLOSED
TREE DEBRIS
P
4WD Elko Take out
Mount Fernie Provincial Park
Fernie Alpine Resort
FAIRY CREEK
North Fernie Bridge Put-in
LIZARD CREEK
3
WEST FERNIE BRIDGE
Dogwood Park Boat Launch
Elko Take Out Only
Annex Park Put-in
P
James White Park
WARNING DAM BELOW
NO FURTHER ACCESS
P
Fairy Creek Falls Trail
NORTH FERNIE BRIDGE
FERNIE
COAL CREEK ROAD
P
P
3
P
II
Annex Park
11th St .
4th St .
P
COKATO ROAD
Maiden Lake
Historic Downtown
P
2nd Ave .
Silver Springs
3
Elk Valley Trail
Fernie Aquatic Centre
COAL CREEK
RIVER ROAD - CLOSED
MORRISSEY ROAD
The Elk River is a free-flowing river with a flow-through dam at Elko using diversion channels to generate electricity .
FERNIE
RIVER ROAD
COAL CREEK ROAD
P
P
3
HIGHWAY 3 TUNNEL
II
Ancient Cottonwood Trail
RIVER ROAD
WIGWAM RIVER
3
P
Hosmer Boat Launch
Hosmer Boat Launch
Coal Creek Heritage Trail
Ladner Creek Waterfall
Old Townsite
CLASS II RAPID
MORRISSEY
Morrissey Boat Launch
ACTIVE LOGGING ROAD
Coal Creek Heritage Trail
3
P
Tourism Fernie Society is working with key funders and partners to make access improvements at Olsen , Hosmer , Morrissey & Elko . For more information email project @ tourismfernie . com
MORRISSEY FOREST ROAD
MORRISSEY
CREEK
II
HERON RAPID CLASS II
HOSMER
II
HOSMER CREEK
LODGEPOLE FOREST ROAD
WIGWAM ROAD
P
Ingham Highway # 3 Rest Area
CAUTION STRONG CURRENT ON RIVER LEFT UPSTREAM OF HOSMER BRIDGE
MOOSE , TUNNEL49 PHOTO
RAM CREEK /
Middle Canyon
BIGHORN RD
TO CABIN PASS
II
The Elk River has healthy riparian habitat . During the ERA Elk Valley Bottom Assessment , 74 % of this transition zone between the river and drier upland areas is forested and undisturbed between Elkford and Elko .
SUP THE ELK , TOURISM FERNIE PHOTO
Ladner Creek Waterfall
CANOEING THE ELK
Forty percent of vertebrate animals can be found in riparian habitats next to rivers , lakes and wetlands . Marsh wetlands exist in off channels of the Elk River , many created by dams built by beavers . These are excellent places to view muskrats , river otters , beavers , moose , painted turtles , and a variety of wetland birds .
Old Townsite
TO HARVEY PASS
Olsen ’ s Gravel Pit Ingham Highway # 3 Boat Launch Rest Area
HERON RAPID CLASS II
HOSMER
HOSMER CREEK
The Nature Conservancy of Canada manages the Ancient Cottonwood Trail near Morrissey . Draped in dense green moss , these 400-year old black cottonwood trees are some of the oldest in the world .
AND FLATHEAD RIVER
LODGEPOLE CREEK
Olsen ’ s Gravel Pit Boat Launch
P
Olsen ’ s Gravel Pit to Hosmer
II
Dogwood Park to Morrissey
II
Class 2 | 15.5 km | ~ 3 hours
A fairly gentle float with a few riffles . Be careful of sharp turns that can push you into streamside logs and overhanging branches .
Put In : The Dogwood Park boat launch has vehicle access , ample parking , washrooms and a scenic picnic area .
Take Out : Morrissey Boat Launch is part of Morrissey Provincial Park and provides vehicle access and limited parking .
Fishing Regs : Keep one ( 1 ) tout / char > 30 cm per day
Morrissey to Elko
II
Class 2 | 9 km | ~ 2 hours
A scenic paddle passing by Ladner Creek Waterfall . Suitable for great fishing , kayaking , canoeing , and SUPing . Avoid high logjam potential and strong current on riverleft by Hosmer bridge .
Put In : A spacious put in area with vehicle access on a natural pebble shore , parking only in upper area off the shoreline .
Take Out : The Hosmer Boat Launch has vehicle access and is on river right before the highway bridge over the Elk River .
Fishing Regs : Keep one ( 1 ) tout / char > 30 cm per day
Hosmer to Annex / North Fernie Bridge
CAUTION STRONG CURRENT ON RIVER LEFT II Class 2 | 14.5 km | ~ 3 hours UPSTREAM OF HOSMER BRIDGE
This section has many braided channels , which increase the chance of dangerous logjams .
Put In : The Hosmer Boat Launch has vehicle access and parking .
Take Out : There are two take-out options , by foot / hand only . One river right just upriver from the North Fernie Bridge , and a new hand launch ramp just down river of the bridge on river left . Limited parking near both locations .
Fishing Regs : Trout / Char catch and release only
Annex / North Fernie Bridge to Dogwood Park
I
Class 1 | 3 km | ~ 30 min
This peaceful section is the only part of the river that is recommended for casual floats , such as tubing . Nonetheless , the river is dynamic and dangers can appear unexpectedly . Be careful to avoid bridge pillars , which can build up logjams . Even during the heat of summer , water remains cold and the chance of hypothermia is always present . Keep a clear head and be vigilant on the water .
Put In : There are two put in options , by foot / hand only . One river right just upriver from the North Fernie Bridge , and a new hand launch ramp just down river of the bridge on river left . Limited parking near both locations .
Take Out : The Dogwood Park boat launch has vehicle access , ample parking , washrooms and a scenic picnic area .
Fishing Regs : Keep one ( 1 ) tout / char > 30 cm per day
Class 2 | 17 km | ~ 5 hours
A great full-day paddle , make sure you bring sufficient water and food . This section has plenty of braided streams , making logjams common . Keep a special lookout for logjams around the highway tunnel and powerlines . Walking your boat may be necessary . Everyone must exit the river at the Elko Boat Launch as there is a dam down river .
Put In : Morrissey Boat Launch is part of Morrissey Provincial Park and provides vehicle access and limited parking .
Take Out : Take Out ONLY ! Dam down river . The take out is on river right immediately after the vehicle bridge over the river in Elko . Vehicle access , limited parking .
Fishing Regs : Trout / Char catch and release only
Cutt ’ s Boat Launch
Kikomun Boat Launch
Kikomun Creek Provincial Park
The Ktunaxa have inhabited the East Kootenay and Flathead region for over 10,000 years and water is deeply important to the Ktunaxa Nation . The Ktunaxa word for the Elk River is Wasa ? ki .
Kikomun Creek Rd
SURVEYORS LAKE
Lake Koocanusa
BAYNES LAKE
Sharpe Rd .
Loop Rd .
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JAFFRAY BAYNES LAKE RD .
P
Waldo Boat Launch
Highway 93 Boat Launch
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MORRISSEY ROAD |
P
3
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Ancient Cottonwood Trail
The area is on private land and has no public access .
Lower Canyon
Dangers : A class III / IV section of the Elk River with difficult rapids and sections only for professionals . Permitted commercial river and fishing operators have approved locations for river access for their guided tours . See the Resources section on the opposite side for operator contact details . The full day whitewater rafting tour on the Lower Elk is one of the
MORRISSEY
best rafting experiences in Canada . For information or to book a tour contact Canyon Raft or Tunnel49 in Fernie .
There is a steep road on SW side of the Highway 93 Bridge over the Elk River that provides partial vehicle access to the river ( river left ). Do not disturb the cattle that may be grazing in the area .
Morrissey Boat Launch
Fishing Regs : Keep 1 trout / char per day ( no cutthroat under 30 cm , no bull trout under 75 cm )
Legend
Rivers / Lakes Bridge Highway Road / Gravel Road Backroad Train Tracks Trail
Boat Access put in - take out
Walking only put in - take out
Float / tubing section
Swimming Hole
Fishing Regulation
Tree Debris Hazard *
* Log jams and sweepers are possible at all sharp bends and narrows in the river , and are constantly changing . Areas highlighted here are historically common locations for wood to accumulate , but this can change at any time . Local knowledge and scouting is recommended for all corners of the river .
0 1km 5km 10km
1 centimetre = approximately 1 kilometre
III
P
River Difficulty Classification
Public Toilet
Parking
Hospital / Medical Centre
Visitor Info Centre
Dam
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