We have paddled the Shuswap River three times before, starting from a hand launch just below the Skookumchuck Rapids and going downstream for 30 km to Enderby.   We did this twice right during the salmon run (see the links below). an unique experience.   This time we paddled a shorter route, the 12 km from the Trinity Bridge to Enderby.   The lower river has little fast-moving water, but it makes a leisurely fall paddle.   This section is where tubers float downstream on a warm day.

There is a good launch spot at a small community park right on the river.   Much of the river is easy Class 1 paddling.

Some of the shoreline is forested and some is farmland.   The river has many shallow spots to watch out for.

a beehive burner on the shore

the elusive kingfisher

 

By late summer there are many beaches open for a lunch stop.   We landed on a wide, sandy area with good views of the Enderby Cliffs.

During the salmon runs, there are many birds and various predators and scavengers on the river, but before the migration, the river is quiet except for a few ducks, geese, kingfishers, and great blue herons.

We left a vehicle in Enderby so we could enjoy an easy downriver paddle, an enjoyable day in our kayaks.

More Information:

• Paddling with Salmon
• Shuswap River Run
• Shuswap River Paddle