Trip Coordinator Name(s): Laura Rider and Mike Hart

Date of Trip: May 28, 2022

River Reach: Battle River at highway 36

River Difficulty Level: Novice

Water Level: Low

# of Adults: 2

# of Minors: 0

# of Guests:

Rescues(aka Swims)?:

Events,Observations,Comments:

A new river for BWCC. Mark Lund of Ceyena has this river near Edmonton listed in his book. The section we explored is below the dam, so the water moves slower than the upper and the river is more narrow. Water levels were down about 2 feet, but the depth of the water moved us fine with at time still 4 feet deep in some areas. We came 2 weekends to check out launch and take-outs. Camping is very good. 3 locations to choose from. Prices range $10 to $30 per night. Services range from showers, beach, cookhouse, pit toilets.
1st Day
Launch site: Dragged the canoe and kayak down the hill easily off of highway 861. Best to stay away from the sinking mud that is closer to the bridge pillars on river right. north, first bridge over Battle River, ended at highway 36 , a short distance to our Battle River Campground on highway 36. 6 hour paddle included pitstops...lots of wildlife, we were amazed, deer up close, moose and 10 beavers swimming and beaching. Sometimes felt that we were traveling the same direction twice as the river winds in multiple horseshoes.

2nd day - Camped in the town of Alliance, serviced sites with beautiful warm washrooms with showers. Great as this weekend was cooler, $20/night. Found a 3rd campground while out scouting called Battle River Retreat ($30/night)- beautiful. We paid $5.00 for parking the car, launched from the sandy beach, at first wasn't sure which direction the current was going as the water level dropped a bit more. This section had a few more features...that with more water surfing would be fun for the novices. Many beaver dams, all passable. Very beautiful 3 and a half hour paddle. We arrived at the same location we launched previously. River right at this bridge is much easier to take out, left was too steep.

Also, spoke to the owners of Reece Fish Farm on Range Road 40, he is open to BWCC members to gain access to the property at the gate, on your left is a flat grass ramp to the waters edge. This location is approximately 2 hour paddle to to Battle River Campground on highway 36.

We look forward to adding this to the schedule every spring.

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