West Branch - Spanish River Canoe Route
The route may be started in two places, depending which branch of the river is to be run. The East Branch of the river commences at the north-east end of Duke Lake. This branch has less portages and is approximately 27 km shorter. The West Branch starts at Biscotasi Lake in the town of Biscotasing. Choosing this route, more white water is encountered, and with that, more portages. This is considered to be the more difficult route. The East Branch and West Branch join at The Forks.
WEST BRANCH ACCESS:
The town of Biscotasing can be reached from the intersection of Highways 144 and 560 which going west changes into the Ramsey Road maintained by E.B. Eddy Forest Products Co. This haul road is followed for 39 km going west to an intersection with a small sign pointing left to Biscotasing. The road leading to Biscotasing Lake is 29.6 km in length. This route may also be divided into two parts. The first consisting of Biscotasi Lake and the second of the West Spanish River channel.
Route Description
The following information is provided to serve as reference only. All rapids and white water should be inspected in detail prior to any attempts to shoot or run such waters. Remember, all decisions made by you regarding fast water, paddling, uncertain waters, etc. are your sole responsibility. Help is not always immediately available.
WEST BRANCH
BISCOTASI LAKE:
Distance - 22.9 km.
Distance Travelled - 22.9 km.
Degree of difficulty - This is a long lake to paddle across. A good wind in your back could be helpful. Upon reaching the dam two portages are present.
#1 Portage:
Length - 15 m lift-over/portage.
Location - can be found just prior to the second dam.
#2 Portage:
Length - 50 m portage.
Location - on the left of the bigger dam (the first dam you see). It is much longer and harder and it is not recommended.
#1 Falls:
Distance - 1.1 km.
Distance Travelled - 24.0 km.
Degree of difficulty - This is a small falls over a large rock, which makes it difficult to shoot. Experienced canoeists may wish to attempt it in high water.
#1 Rapids:
Distance - 2.6 km.
Distance Travelled - 26.6 km.
Degree of difficulty - A cascade of rapids approximately 400 m in length. These rapids are fast and quite difficult as well as dangerous. Only very experienced canoeists should consider these.
#3 Portage:
Length - 500 m.
Location - On the left of the channel and approximately 3 m from the rapids. This portage is marked with an unconventional, but clearly visible sign. Caution should be exercised when approaching the portage as an error may quickly send you down the rapids. The trail has several obstacles and in places is partly grown in.
#2 Rapids:
Distance - 2.0 km.
Distance Travelled - 28.6 km.
Degree of difficulty - Rocky, shallow. May be run in high water. Canoes may be pulled over on the right.
#3 Rapids:
Distance - 31.0 km.
Degree of difficulty - These rapids are 400 m in length with several large rocks and strong currents present. Very difficult and dangerous.
#5 Portage:
Length - 500 m.
Location - on the length of the channel approximately 20 m prior to the falls. Obstacles and variable topography makes this a long and difficult portage.
#4 Rapids:
Distance - 6.7 km.
Distance Travelled - 38.1 km.
Degree of difficulty - Another small set with some rock, and strong current. Inspect before running.
#7 Portage:
Length - 75 m.
Location - on the right, 15 m prior to the rapids.
SNAKE RIVER:
Distance - 2.5 km.
Distance Travelled - 40.6 km.
Degree of difficulty - This river joins the East Branch of the Spanish. There is a set of rapids and a portage at the end (described in the East Branch).
#6 Rapids:
Distance - 7.5 km.
Distance Travelled - 48.1 km.
Degree of difficulty - This set is shallow especially during the low water periods. May be run with little navigation.
#7 Rapids:
Distance - 2.6 km.
Distance Travelled - 50.7 km.
Degree of difficulty - Very strong current in chute. May be dangerous in high water.
#8 Portage:
Length - 35 m.
Location - on the right approximately 15 m prior to the chute.
#8 Rapids:
Distance - 0.3 km.
Distance Travelled - 51.0 km.
Degree of difficulty - Rocky, shallow but navigable.
#9 Rapids:
Distance - 0.5 km.
Distance Travelled - 51.5 km.
Degree of difficulty - Numerous obstacles, probably difficult in low water. No portage - pull over on the left.
#10 Rapids:
Distance - 4.3 km.
Distance Travelled - 55.8 km.
Degree of difficulty - These rapids are approximately 75 m in length. They divide in two at the bottom. The current is fairly strong and intermittent with shallow spots and high waves. Only very experienced canoeists should attempt these. No portage. Lining is possible on either side of the channel.
