Clearwater River (British Columbia)
The Clearwater River is the largest tributary of the North Thompson River, joining it at the community of Clearwater, British Columbia. The Clearwater rises from glaciers in the Cariboo Mountains and flows in a mostly southerly direction for 201 km (125 mi) to the North Thompson. Its entire course, except the last 5 km (3 mi), is within Wells Gray Provincial Park. Its confluence with the North Thompson is protected by North Thompson River Provincial Park.
| Clearwater River | |
|---|---|
Clearwater River viewed from White Horse Bluff | |
| Location | |
| Country | Canada |
| Province | British Columbia |
| Land District | Kamloops Division Yale |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Source | Cariboo Mountains |
| • coordinates | 52°49′N 120°6′W |
| • elevation | 1,356 m (4,449 ft) |
| Mouth | North Thompson River |
• coordinates | 51°37′59″N 120°4′50″W |
• elevation | 392 m (1,286 ft) |
| Length | 201 km (125 mi) |
| Basin size | 10,200 km2 (3,900 sq mi) |
| Discharge | |
| • location | mouth |
| • average | 223 m3/s (7,900 cu ft/s) |
| Basin features | |
| Waterfalls | Baileys Chute, Marcus Falls, Myanth Falls, Osprey Falls |
There are two large lakes on the Clearwater River. Hobson Lake is 35 km (22 mi) long and averages 1.5 km (0.9 mi) wide. Clearwater Lake is 24 km (15 mi) long and averages 2 km (1.2 mi) wide. The Clearwater's largest tributaries are (from source to mouth) Hobson Creek, Goat Creek, Lickskillet Creek, Azure River, Falls Creek, Murtle River, Mahood River, Hemp Creek, Grouse Creek, and Spahats Creek.
The river is popular for fly fishing, whitewater kayaking, whitewater rafting, hiking, and wildlife viewing.