The Hess River stands as the most challenging canoe-able whitewater in Yukon, featuring daily Class III+ rapids and stunning glaciated peaks of the Selwyn Mountains. This 14-day journey of approximately 500km combines relentless excitement through canyons and boulder-strewn passages with pristine wilderness where paddlers encounter no other souls across the entire trip. The scenery evolves from dramatic high-altitude terrain with knife-edged ridges to the rolling landscapes of the North Yukon Plateau, offering exceptional hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities. Best paddled July through early September when water levels are manageable. Access is exclusively by floatplane from Mayo to Keele Lake, requiring exceptional planning and expert-level paddling skills.
Hess River is estimated at Intermediate. Whitewater ratings are not exact: grades change with water level and season. Verify current conditions locally before you paddle.
The best time is July-early September.
Hess River is located in the Yukon region of Canada.
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Conditions change with water level and season. Grades and positions are for planning, not navigation. Verify locally before you paddle. Terms of use
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