Mountain Portage Rapids

courtesy Town of Fort SmithFrom June to October, the rapids at Mountain Portage are some of the most accessible on the river. These rapids are a favourite “playground” for whitewater kayakers, and the sandy beaches in the bays surrounding the rapids are a favourite gathering place for local swimmers and sunseekers. While the summer mosquitoes, sandflies, and horseflies are tolerable on the breezy shores of the river, they can be unbearable on the hike down to and up from the water. If you are sensitive to these things, bug spray or netted bug jackets, or other bug deterrents, are advised, especially in the months of June and July.

Mountain Portage is also a nesting site for the white pelicans. In the summer, visitors can see these magnificent birds fishing in the turbulent whitewater and soaring high above the river.