From these tranquil beginnings the Columbia flows some 1,947 to become one of the greatest river systems on the continent. For thousands of years, before the building of dams downstream, this was an important place to the First Nations people. Here Pacific Salmon were harvested and dried. The river also provided drinking water, transportation and recreation.
With the coming of the Europeans this site played a major part in a colourful steamboat era, a vital transportation system from 1886 to 1920. It was necessary to dredge the constantly shifting silting river through these wetlands.
Although wetlands cover only a small portion of our provincial landscape, they provide important ecological functions maintaining robust plant and animal communities. Each spring sees a large variety of birds migrate through, or stop to breed and nest in this unique stretch of the Rocky Montain trench. During the cold winter months ungulates such as elk and moose depend on willows and other riparian shrubs for survival.
Note that 50% of the world's wetlands have been lost.
From the area where this geocache is located, you can reflect on times past, and admire the fish which spawn and live in this particular part of the river. You can often see Kokanee in this area which is a popular spot for launching boats. Motorized craft can head south from here but NOTE that NO motorized watercraft are permitted north of this particular location but kayaks and canoes can, and will take you to Radium,B.C. on a wonderfully scenic, easy to paddle route. Pack a shore lunch and enjoy the waters. Craft can be rented from a nearby commercial facility if you don't have your own.