Upper Stikine River Canoeing: Spatsizi Wilderness Park - 12 Days

Day 1

We will drive to Dease Lake and prepare to begin our charter flights into Tuaton Lake. Winging over the Spatsizi Plateau you will want to be sure to keep your camera handy. By evening we should have everyone in camp on the picturesque shore to the long mountain lake. (L/D)

Day 2

Following the ridge from the lake, we will hike into the alpine country of Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Park. The open ridges will afford panoramic views, wildflowers and hopefully sheep, woodland caribou and other wildlife. The Upper Stikine makes a 225 km journey with an elevation drop of 303 m (approx. 909 ft) from the top of the Spatsizi Plateau to the upper end of the Grand Canyon of the Stikine. The Plateau country is panoramic and dramatic. We will encounter rapids that will require a short portage to negotiate safely. (B/L/D)

Day 3

Morning will find us packing the canoes to begin our paddle down Tuaton Lake. As we traverse the lake, we will work on reviewing strokes that will be necessary to negotiate the rapids once we reach moving water. Camp will be in the vicinity of the stream linking Tuaton Lake with Laslui Lake. Fishing in these waters is likely to be rewarding. (B/L/D)

Day 4

Another hiking day will take us into the ridge country among the peaks to explore further. (B/L/D)

Day 5

We will paddle the length of Laslui Lake making our way to the mouth of the Stikine River and engage the river, taking us to Fountain Rapid portage. (B/L/D)

Day 6 - 9

The river will now rule our days with swift excitement. Scenery will change with each bend in the river. Scouting from the river, we will negotiate the Class II & low Class III rapids. Previous river reports indicate some well marked portage trails. The Upper Stikine makes a 225 km journey with an elevation drop of 303 m (approx. 909 ft) from the top of the Spatsizi Plateau to the upper end of the Grand Canyon of the Stikine. The Plateau country is panoramic and dramatic. We will encounter rapids that will require a short portage to negotiate safely. (B/L/D)

Day 10

On the final descent of the river prior to the Grand Canyon of the Stikine, we will savor our final day of the river.After reaching the canoe take-out at the Cassiar Highway bridge, we will make our way back to Dease Lake for supper and a good night’s sleep. (Accommodation and meals while in Dease Lake are each participant’s responsibility. Lunch on this day is the last meal provided.) (B/L)

Day 11

This is the homeward bound day for those on the Dease Lake option unless you are awaiting the Lower Stikine expedition on August 4. 

Day 12

This is the day that you will be able to catch your flights for home.