Report

At the end of a summer internship in 2019, Jo and I embarked on a couple week long roadtrip which took us as far as Squamish, British Columbia. Our destination there was a couple canyoneering routes that looked quite different from our usual southwest adventures. These canyons promised flowing water, moss, trees and rivers.

In the canyon beta for Box Canyon, we read about the need to cross the Squamish River. A trip report that we found stated that they had used a small 2 person inflatable raft to make the crossing. As we were driving to Squamish we picked up an identical raft in Seattle. However, once we go to the river and inflated it, we quickly realized that the person writing the report had used 1 raft per person…. We needed to share it.

Ignoring the 200lb weight limit, we piled in with our gear (wetsuits, ropes, rappelling gear, etc) and set out across the river. There was literally not enough room for the two of us, after trying different configurations, we settled with Jo in my lap. The Squamish River is not a small little thing, it was maybe a couple hundred feet across. As we were struggling to paddle, Jo was in stiches laughing at our situation. Soon we realized though that we need to paddle hard. We were getting pulled farther and farther down river headed out to the ocean. After finally kicking it into gear we made it to the opposite shore. We had passed our intended landing zone by quite a ways and had to hike back up the river. We picked our way through the river, carefully stepping around salmon just sitting there.

Once we made it to the start of the trail, we noticed others had stashed an actual canoe… with life jackets! A detail we completely overlooked. The serious of the situation only set in after we were safely ashore. We continued on to the canyon, which was beautiful. The hike was steamy, but the rappels were awesome. Honestly, I don’t remember much of the canyon itself.

After finishing the canyon, we were hyping ourselves up for the return trip across the river. However, when we returned the river was completely different. This portion of the river was tidal, meaning that now, at high tide, the river was almost stagnant but an additional 100 feet wider. The return trip was much more relaxing without the current dragging us to sea. As we were enjoying the trip, we saw a bald little black head watching us. A little seal! Between the seals and the bald eagles flying around the area, it was definitely a special trip.

This was a definitely a fun memory for us. We’re glad we survived and would love to return to this beautiful area.

Photos