Gounamitz river

Small River


Class: I-II	Length: 43km
Location: saint Quentin, NB	Character: remote stream
Gauge: Gauge	Contributor: François Côté

General Information

The Gounamitz is a little-known river in a remote location with crystal clear water. Well worth the effort to get out there and enjoy. From the put-in (link at bottom), one can enjoy a succession of class I-II rapids for 6.5km before reaching the first of 3 ledges. These 3 ledges are spaced out over just under 1km with calm water in between.

1st ledge (class III): This rapid features a 90 degree turn. Its difficulty will vary depending on how long a craft you are paddling (easier for kayaks and difficult in tandem canoes). portage option on river left. 2nd ledge: To me this just looked like a nearly un-runnable jumble of rocks. When someone runs this please submit info so this can be edited. portage option over rocks on the left. 3rd ledge (class II): A nice ramp on river right. portage option on river left. After the ledges, the river is calmer but continues to have some class I rapids down to its confluence with the Little Main Restigouche (which will look murky in comparison with the Gounamitz). Distance to this point is 20km. I am not aware of any take-out options here. Another 23km down the Little Main Restigouche will get you to a bridge just before it joins the Kedgwick where you can take out.

Named Rapids

The 3 ledges (not sure if they have an actual name)

First ledge: (47.588994,-67.742450) Google Map Link

Hazards

Remoteness. No cell service. Small enough that sweepers and strainers are possible.

Access

Put-In: (47.609259,-67.799769)

Google Map Link

Take outs: (47.659137, -67.492560)