Below Cascade Falls, Kettle River

This is at the bottom of the Cascade Falls canyon. A fantastic place to swim and play in the summer. This is also where we begin the final tubing run down to another railroad bridge just before the river crosses over the border.

The foundation just visible in the upper right is from the former power house which was unfortunately demolished a number of years ago. It was a beautiful brick building which the owners had left to disintegrate and become a danger. When is was working water was routed from above a dam at the top of the falls around the river and down into the power house. There is a contraversial application to begin another power project here.

The Kettle River is one of two highly endangered rivers in British Columbia. Another controvery arising this year is the use of air boats on the river. Yesterday I saw one of these incredibly noisy aggressive boats tearing up the river interupting the peaceful and safe time being had by fishermen and swimmers. This has already been the impetus for groups to organize to make sure this beautiful B.C. river is not misused.

The swimming hole

The Bridge at Cascade Falls

The old railway bridge just above the Cascade Falls which is now part of the Cross Canada Railway Trail. You can see a couple of people beginning their bike ride (click on the photo to enlarge). There used to be a dam at this point and water was diverted to the old Power House Station just below the falls. Swimming above and below the falls is fantastic and one can float down the Kettle River from Grand Forks to here which is the site of an old mill called "Billings" situated a few miles before Christina Lake and just before the old town of "Cascade". I have done most of the float sections from the old townsite of "Carson" to "Gilpin" and have the last section to try. We do it in sections because the fist section from Carson right at the Canada/U.S. border to Spragett Bridge takes 3 hours at this time of year. We think from the Gilpin Grasslands to Billings will take about 2-3 hours, but this will be our first time.

Kettle River at the Gilpin Grasslands

Wonderful swimming in the Kettle River below the Gilpin Grasslands.

Wild Huckleberries

Wild Black Huckleberries