Yoichi River

Clamber down the concrete bank under Oe-bashi Bridge and put in either just upstream or just downstream of the bridge. Putting in on the upstream side of the bridge allows for a small wave train right off the bat. The first few hundred meters after putting in are on swift but manageable water. Soon, however, the river funnels down frequent constrictions with small wave trains here and there. The main hazards to watch out for are low-lying branches or trees that might have fallen over the river, usually at bends.

Just past half-way through this section of river (about 10.5km from the put-in), you’ll arrive at the low Niki-toshuko Weir 二木頭首工. At certain times of the year, this weir is runnable on the far right, through the open gate. However, this gate is closed from early summer, and the weir will require portaging to get around. You can usually do this on the river left, but if possible (and if you’re travelling by car), before running the river we recommend scouting the weir regardless, so you know if a) it’s runnable or not, and b) which side of the weir looks less terrible (i.e., less of a bushbash/scramble) for portaging (i.e., both sides are relatively heinous).

About 500m downstream of the weir is the main crux of this section – the Tsukimi-bashi Bridge Drop 月見橋落込み. It’s a man-made concrete-block cascade right under the iron railway bridge. The concrete blocks are jagged and rough. There are three main channels. Usually, the two channels on the right are more likely to be runnable. That said, regardless of the water level, this is a must-scout drop. Wood can get lodged in the concrete blocks. Pull up about 50m upstream of the drop on the river left and walk downstream to assess your options. It’s also possible to take a look at the drop from the Tsukim-bashi Bridge. Generally speaking, the drop is only runnable in higher-water conditions, when the water level is high enough to cover the blocks.

Beyond the Tsukimi-bashi, it’s about 5km of relaxing paddling to the take out at the salmon fence facility. In the spring, when the fence is not yet installed, there’s a great surfing wave across the width of the river. If you’re taking out at the Yoichi River Boat Ramp 余市川斜路, be ready for some flat-water-like paddling for about 4km – the river slows down considerably after the salmon fence (portage around the salmon fence on river left).