Callaghan Creek

Callaghan is the Whistler classic, an irresistible creek. The highlight is the 2nd falls, which is just about as perfect as it gets for hucking. The first falls has a tricky approach, which can lead to close encounters with a log that is lodged on the lip as of 2007. Downstream is an abundance of class-IV boulder-garden action that is just quality whitewater. Expect a first run to take 3 to 5 hours but it can be bombed down in ~45 minutes. To compare it to anything in the East would not be fair, but it could be compared to the Watauga with a lot of juice (700 cfs +).

Very soon after putting on, watch out for a river wide ledge that is scouted/portaged on the right. The ledge itself has a sticky hole that leads into a cave river left. Run far river right. If portaged, exercise caution on the seal launch as there is a rock just under the surface of the pool below.

A few boulder gardens and the first falls is reached. Scout left. There is a burly class IV rapid immediately below that feeds into the second and larger falls so be on your game here. Scout the 2nd falls on the right.

Another spot to watch out for is further downstream is a class III that leads into a pile of boulders and some logs on river right, the river is funneled to the left over a stout class V. Scout, sneak on the right.

Towards the end of the run is a ledge hole that can be sticky, scout on the right, run driving to the left.

This is the site of the Callaghan Creek Festival and Extreme Race, July 24, 2010.

Guidebook: The River Gypsies' Guide to North America, Brushy Mountain Publishing, 2010.