A plan to kayak the Nimpkish River came together with friends Scott, Erika, and Rob. We planned the weekend of April 11/12th, they were going to be up at Nimpkish lake after paddling the Adam River on Friday.
The Nimpkish River is the longest on Vancouver Island (118 km), flowing from Nimpkish Lake to Broughton Strait. It also has a large watershed, draining 2250sq km.
The plan was to meet them in Woss ( Vegas ) on Saturday morning, then drive to the put-in 10km outside of Woss. There is a small dirt road leading down to an old bridge pilings; this is the start of the 47km paddle to Nimpkish Lake.
The first day is the longer of the two, with 28km of paddling to our camp at Kaipit Creek. Before we get there, we would pass through several rapids on the Upper Nimpkish – names like S-bend, Rock garden, Headwall, the Ledge, and last but not least, Woss Falls. We had levels of 40cms at the put in, with the level rising to 47cms on day two, with a bit of snow melt/ rain overnight.
The rapids on day 1 were excellent with some good lines at the Ledge, fun rock dodging in Rock Garden, a snack break at the Davie River confluence, and then Woss Falls. The lines were good, with Erika having a bit more of an exciting one. Getting back endered, surfed for a short bit, saved with a throw bag from Scott. The rest of the run is fast swifts down the Nimpkish valley, known as the Gwa’ni by the traditional keepers of the land, the Namgis First Nation.
Arriving at Kaipit Creek by 430pm, we soon had boats unloaded, a fire going, and beverages in hand. Gear spread around as people set up camp, relaxing on the large gravel bar that would be our camp for the evening.
Day 2 of the trip would take us from Kaipit Creek to the takeout at Nimpkish Lake, the deepest lake on Vancouver Island at 304-320m of depth. A spot that is enjoyed by kiteboarders and windsurfers alike, known for its great winds.
This day would take us through a few bigger rapids like the Notch and Iron Mine, the latter named after the Nimpkish Iron Mine that was in operation from 1959 to 1964. Then we would head down to the limestone canyon below the bridge that leads to the Village of Zeballos. From there it is a few kms to the takeout on Nimpkish Lake.
Beers and three-layer dip awaited, we sorted gear, then it was time to run the shuttle and head back down the island. With a quick stop for a group pic at the Woss service store. A successful adventure on the North Island. Adventures up here never disappoint.
Enjoy the photos.
Kaitpit Creek camp
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