Cheakamus River, Mountain brook in Squamish-Lillooet Regional District, Canada
The Cheakamus River originates at McBride Glacier and flows through Garibaldi Provincial Park for roughly 70 kilometers until it meets the Squamish River. The waterway passes through diverse terrain with forests, lakes, and valley landscapes.
The river was shaped by glacial processes over millennia and served as a key water source for the region. A railway accident in 2005 caused a significant chemical spill that affected the ecosystem for months afterward.
The name comes from Chiyakmesh, a Squamish word reflecting the indigenous connection to this waterway. Local communities have long relied on the river as a vital resource for sustenance and daily life.
The river is easily accessible via British Columbia Highway 99, with parking areas along Cheakamus Lake Road and nearby routes. Visit during drier months for better trail conditions and safer water access.
The river flows through an extinct volcanic crater at Logger's Lake, where visitors can swim in a natural water basin. This unusual geological setting makes the area memorable for swimming and fishing.
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