On July 3rd 2008 Joel Fafard, Spencer Cox, Jordie Mckenzie and Mikkel St.Jean - Duncan went searching for the next first descent in the West Kootenay area, Next Creek. When we arrived at our takeout we came across a legitimate sounding local who told us that there were log jams so big on Next Creek a beaver couldn't find its way down. He did mention Cultus Creek as a run that looks like it would be fun in a kayak. We had a group meeting and decided to go for Cultus as there was only 3km and about 300 feet of gradient to paddle all within walking distance of the road. Compared to 10 km and 1000 feet of gradient in the last 2 - 3 km on Next Creek and not a single road anywhere in sight.
We ended up putting in on Cultus 2.5 km up from the lake. I was immediately impressed with the run as it started out with a really fun bedrock slide around a rock. The run continued to get better from there as all we found were fun slides and ledges all with clean lines and no wood anywhere. Once the valley opened up it looked like the run was over and we would pop into the lake at any moment so Spencer started bombing down the boogie water only to scramble for an eddy when we hit another tight horizon line. This turned out to be "Surprise Canyon" which contained three of the trickier rapids of the run. The first was a tight slot into a headwall on river left. The second was another tight ledge into a recirculating eddy with a boat width sized exit. The third was a 4 foot ledge into a long 3 foot wide sluice, I was the only one to run this and I ramped up on river left to avoid the hole in the middle. No one ran the second drop and everyone ran the first. It was an awesome run but another 3 -4 km of good whitewater would make the long drive more worthwhile.
After Cultus we paddled over to take a look at Next Creek from the lake up. I walked upstream a kilometer and found a really tight deep canyon where a lot of the drops look like they land on rocks. That being said it is still on the to do list for the future. Some people might wonder why I would post information regarding a first descent on a blog as someone else might get to paddle it first after I put in all the hard work but I am more concerned about anyone paddling it before the hydro project is in place and it is lost to everyone. Luckily with terrible access I don't see that project going through for at least a few years. I just ask anyone going to paddle Next give me a call and I'll show you where to go. Also, there is active logging and restricted access in the area so do your homework before you go to make sure you will be allowed back there.
Spencer on a clean ledge with a sticky hole
Spencer on one of many bedrock drops
Mikkel in the first rapid of Surprise Canyon
Joel in the same rapid
Next Creek from above
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