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Route description: Lower Madawaska River
- Posted by
- pgallagher
- Date posted
- Aug 23, 2004
- Date last travelled
The river is usually open from early April when it is an exciting ride, throughout the season into August, but often at reduced flows. It is wise when planning a trip to research levels via the Internet.
Location
West of Renfrew in the Madawaska highlands from Aumond Bay (downstream from Palmer Rapids) to Buck Bay.
Length
About 9 kilometres of river travel lasting about 5 hours (including lunch stop) depending on how much time is spent scouting and degree of aggressive play boating.
Classification
Early in the ww season Class II –III degrading to Class I-II later in the season. A good river run for Novice ww paddlers who have successfully completed training.
Access / Egress
- Put-in at Aumond Bay
- Take-out at Buck Bay
- All rapids maybe portaged
- Egress is available down the entire river via the forest access road running between Quadeville and Griffith.
Route
The trip starts off with a paddle on a flat water stretch of the river for about 4 kilometers to get to the Snake Rapids.
1. Island Rapids (a.k.a Head of Snake Rapids)
2. Dog Leg Rapids
3. Shallow Rapids (a.k.a. Flat Rapids)
4. The Narrows (a good spot to stop for lunch)
5. Exam Time Rapids (a.k.a. Tail of Snake Rapids)
6. Rifle Chute
7. Split Rock Rapids
8. Raquette (includes the feature known as the infamous “Canoe Eater”)
Facts – Historic
During the 1800’s the Madawaska River was a major “highway” of activity feeding the almost insatiable British appetite for lumber. Red and White Pine trees that were free from knots and shakes were felled and trimmed during winter into (12” * 12”) square “sticks” about 30 feet long. 25 such sticks were grouped into “cribs” which could be floated down chutes. Larger assemblies of 25 cribs comprised a “dram” which were floated downriver by men wielding 30 foot long oars.
Facts – Fauna
Blue Herron, Osprey, … Fish…… In season Black Fly hordes, Ubiquitous Mosquitoes.
Facts – Flora
White Pine, Red Pine, Cedar, Poison Ivy
Trip References
There is also an interesting River Guide available, authored by George Drought entitled - Madawaska River and Opeongo River Whitewater Guide (The Friends of Algonquinn Park)
Water Levels
http://www.boatwerks.net/running.asp
Shuttles
Don Adams, General Store, Griffith (at Hwy 41 Bridge over Madawaska River (also rents whitewater tandem canoes)
Security
The side road off the forest access road to the take-out at Aumond bay is in bad state of repair with many pot-holes so caution is advised. Drive slowly and in vehicles with low ground clearance it might be adviseable to off-load passengers.
Emergency Nos.
o Hospital TBD
o Dental TBD
o Search and Rescue 1-888-310-1122
o Service Station / Towing TBD
o Police TBD
Map References
1:50,00 topographical map sheets Denbigh (31 F/3) and Brudenell (31 F/6).
How to get there
o Hwy 17 north to Renfrew,
o Hwy 132 to junction with Hwy 41
o Hwy 41 (west) to Griffith, RV at the park (rest stop) on the right just before the bridge over the Madawaska River.
Distance
It is about 220 kilometers from Ottawa to Aumonds Bay
