Mellow takeout on the Renegado

The normal stretch is a class 4, 8 km section with ideal flows of 300 to 700 CFS. Most everything is boat scoutable but an occasional scout or portage may be required due to logs or mini box canyons.

Fields Marshall Rio Renegado

To reach the takeout follow the main road from city of Chillan on Ruta 5 eastwards towards the ski center and hotsprings of Volcan Chillan. The takeout bridge is at Puente Renegado in town of Los Lleques elevation 700 meters. The adjacent Restuarant Renegado provides good cheap hot food and cold beer at the takeout.

To reach the put in continue 8 KM upstream and turn left 300 meters before reaching the entrance to Cueva Los Pincherias. There is a wooden bridge over the river here elevation at 975 meters.

The river drops 275 meters in 8 km or average of 34.5 MPK or 175 FPM. The consistent gradient and mature volcanic streambed makes for good whitewater the whole trip. the rapids towards the end are slightly more difficult than anything in first 6 km.

Hairboaters and waterfall junkies take note: Below the takeout bridge there remains an as yet unrun 2.5 KM stretch down to the Diguillin river at elevation 425 meters with average gradient of 110 mpk or whopping 550 FPM. Puente Blanco lies halfway down this radical stretch providing for good bailout and/or scouting options. We have walked from Puente Blanco on a good trail down to the Diguillin where the river makes it’s boldest statement with first a 5 meter falls into a moving pool followed by final 35 meter plunge into the Diguillin river.

Lower stretch of Renegado viewed from Puente Blanco

35 meter Renegado Falls

While running the Renegado or nearby Diguillin a cool place to stay is the boater friendly Mission Impossible Lodge. the owner is a French kayaker named Bertrand Deschamps. Lodge is located about 15 km up stream of takeout in the Valle Shangri-La. Apart from excellent food the lodge features an indoor climbing wall and skateboard ramp, WIFI internet, 3 hot tubs, views of the Chillan volcano, and a cool form of zipline unique to Chile. Info at www.milodge.com or bertrand@misnowchile.com

Topo map of region is 1:50,000 scale titled Recinto 3645-7130

Other nearby rivers include Diguilin, Rio Chillan, Ñuble, Los Sauces, Laja, Perquilaquen

El Toro’s continuous, steep gradient requires precise boat placement. The higher you ascend, the steeper the gradient. A highlight of the run is an intimidating double drop we named El Vulcanizador, located 500 m upstream from the take out.

To reach the put-in follow same directions as for the Melado which are from Talca, 259 km south of Santiago, drive east through San Clemente to Embalse Colbún. After the pavement turns to gravel, continue upstream along the Maule, crossing Puente Claro en route. Follow the Camino Internacional signs. Just after crossing the Maule, turn west at the Y junction. Stay on the main track—veer to the right if in doubt—until you reach the Río Melado. Drive upstream to Puente Curillinque, then continue on the river left side of the Melado along the Canal de Linares. Keep your eyes peeled for El Toro cascading under the concrete aqueduct. Take out here (800 m elevation) or downstream on the Melado at Puente Curillinque.

To reach the put-in, climb up on top of the concete embankment where you’ll find easy hiking for a few hundred meters in a dry irrigation canal. When the canal disintegrates, climb high up the river right side of the canyon. After a couple of hours you will reach a valley, where the gradient tapers off dramatically. Put in elevation is 1075 meters. We didn’t reach this point only for a lack of time and better planning.

This 5 km long class V•V+(p?) has average gradient of 55 mpk or almost 300 FPM. You need 200 to 300 CFS to run the creek which in a normal water year is only likely during PEAK spring runoff which is usually late October.

Topo map of the area 1:50,000 scale is titled Melado

Portage around an ugly combination of sieves, logs, and a road culvert 2.5 km into the run. Below the portage, the gradient eases up for a few kilometers. After passing a gauging station, you will have to scout an impressive 500 m-long set of cataracts. The whitewater soon reverts to rock-garden class III-IV rapids down to Los Queñes. Lacking definition and eddies at high water, the river turns into a swift, roller coaster ride with good surfing waves. For more hit-and-run surfing, continue below the confluence of the Río Claro, where the river doubles in volume.

From a couple of kilometers north of Curicó, 191 km south of Santiago, turn off the Pan American highway and drive east 46 km through Romeral to Los Queñes. After cruising through town and the Carabinero checkpoint, continue 25 km upstream and put in along the road above the whitewater. At elevation 1150 meters Take out in Los Queñes 675 meters  or anywhere else above or below the town.

The 25 KM stretch is mostly class3-4 but also has some 5+ and portages. Ideally flows occur in spring/summer with a braod range of 500 to 3000 CFS.

The Río Laja rips through a geologic wonderland upstream from Salto del Laja, a popular roadside attraction off the Pan-American Highway. Draining Laguna de la Laja, this scintillating gem features kick-ass, heart-thumping action from start to finish. The first 200 m are the toughest and should be scouted. Only run the Laja if you have a bombproof roll. In fact, don’t even think about tippng over. Regardless of the Laja’s significance (‘smooth rock’), its razor-sharp basalt will shred you and your equipment if you find yourself upside down. Walking along the shore is impossible due to the vegetation and channels of swift water.

John Foss on the Laja circa 1992

Sierra Velluda (3585 m) and Volcán Antuco (2979 m) (Mapuche for ‘sun’ and ‘water’) grace the southern horizon. In 1873, viscious lava flows from an eruption on Antuco oozed over the valley floor, plugged the river, and caused the water level in Laguna de la Laja to rise 20 m. Cold, clear, groundwater percolates through this porous basalt, bursting out of the canyon walls at Salto Las Chilcas, the nacimiento, or birthplace of the river.
From Los Angeles, 518 km south of Santiago, drive east towards the town of Antuco and Parque Nacional Laguna del Laja. Oncoming cars used to challenge us in a game of “chicken”, waiting until the last moment to swerve off the only paved lane into billowy clouds of dust. That thrill is gone now that both lanes are paved to Antuco. After entering the park, drive 4 km up the hill to an obscure photo-op sign and an eroded concrete foundation. Turn left and continue 300 m to the trailhead. Hike down 20 minutes towards the gushing cascade of Salto Las Chilcas, and the switchbacks that lead to the water’s edge. Take out in the meadow next to the ENDESA reservoir.
Below the reservoir, the river looks steep, but far from deep. In fact, it’s as dry as a sun-bleached bone in the summer. Why doesn’t ENDESA maintain a minimum year-round stream flow for fisheries and recreation?

Topo of map of region is titled Laguna de Laja G-021

Nearby Rivers include the Nuble, Queuco andCautin. forgot about running the Duqueco as I have heard that the whitewater section has been dammed.

Ethan Greene in the Araucaria forest put in for Rio Ralco 1998

To reach the take out exit ruta 5 at Los Angeles (or Mulchen if traveling north) and take paved road 42 km to Santa Barbara then continue on another 52 km to town of Ralco. Soon after the town of Ralco the road will turn to stone but continue onwards up the Bio Bio valley towards Reserva Nacional Ralco for approximately 45 additional kilometers (unfortunately en route you will pass both dam sites.) At town of Lepoy follow a dirt road down to a bridge over the river at elevation 670 meters.

To reach put-in return to Lepoy and continue up a steep road approximately 8 KM to Fundo El Barco elevation 970 meters. Ask permission to enter for easy access to the river and/or for permission to camp. Araucaria trees majestically line the shore at the put-in, while Volcán Lonquimay (2890 m) simmers ominously in the distance. Request permission to camp in this lovely place.

Once on the river you will enter a canyon which contains fun pool drop rapids and the crux of the whitewater. After 5.5 km you will reach the confluence with the Rio Lomin and flows will double. After 2 more km the Chaquilvin river enters from the left and soon after you will reach the takeout.

Due to small size the run is best in spring or early summer flows with ideal volume 250 to 400 CFS.

Excellent rapids are found throughout the run, with the best drops situated near the confluence of the Lontué chocked full of big granite boulders. At a low flow of 17 cms, the last 2 km are easy class V. I suspect this section would be much more difficult at higher flows with some drops becoming unrunnable.

Unfortunately, like the neighboring Lontué, access is the most daunting obstacle. The landowner’s concerns regarding wildland fire (notice the charred ridge above the north side of the river from a 1993 fire), garbage, and road maintenance have eliminated access beyond Puente El Baúl. This run is fabulous and we want to go back pronto. If you ever gain access, be responsible so other boaters can follow in your footsteps.

To reach the take-out at Puente El Baúl of the Lontue confluence elevation 580 meters refer to the lower Lontué description. Permission must be obtained prior to traveling upstream from the village of El Yacal, otherwise you likely will not be allowed to pass the through the gates. If you get past the locked gate at Puente El Baúl, climb the steep switchbacks and drive 14 km east on the plateau. Turn north at an obscure crossroads (south to the upper Lontué put-in) and continue approximately 3 km to a point where you must begin to walk. Leave the dirt road and hike down an obscure trail near Estero Agua Fría. As you get approach the river, you’ll have to thrash through bramble and bamboo. Elevation 795 meters.

This class 4-5 river is best run in spring/summer with ideal flows of 500-600 CFS.

It’s crystal clear waters are born on the southwestern flank of Nevado Longavi (3242 m)

Put in Rio Longavi

To arrive at take out follow the Pan American highway Ruta 5 to town of Parral. Drive southeast 25 km to Termas de Catillo then continue past Digua to San Pablo. Follow the river upstream to the hydrological river gauge which serves as takeout.

To reach put-in continue upstream 6 km to Puente Malcho.

An estimated good flow is 1000 to 2000 CFS

Other nearby rivers include the Ancoa, Achibueno and Nuble.

Franz Helfenstein on Rio Maule foto by John Mattson

The word Maule was derived from a mapuche word meaning
“lluvioso” or rainy which is somewhat strange as the Maule drainage is set in an incredibly arid desert environment. The Maule also has two other interesting feautres to note. First the Maule forms the divisional line between los mejores cuartos del pokercaribbean poker portalpoker instrucciones de juegocartas de poker gratiscaribbean poker webpoker online sinpoker downloadcuartos del poker en lineapoker pagina,poker pagina web,poker paginas webmejor juego pokercaribbean poker portalesjuego cartasstrip poker online gratispoker con cartashow to play poker,play poker,play poker onlinepolli poquerpacific poker comdescarga pokerstreep poker onlinepoker en linea librestrp pokerwww polli poquerhow to play pokerdescargar pokerjuegos poker sharewarejuegos de poker gratuitoscartas de poker gratis,cartas poker,cartas poker gratispoker omahabunny pokerstrip poker pc gamereglas texas holdempoker flashpoker en linea gratispoker game onlinecomo jugar a pokerholdem poker reglaspoker caribe pagina webinformatica pokertexas holdem online,texas holdem,jugar texas holdemjuego poker omahapoker texas holdem,holdem poker,jugar poker texas holdempoker brokersexy poker onlinejuego de poker para descargarpoker internet gratisstrep poker gratispai gow poker web,pai gow,pai gow poker portales internetpoker online gratuitojugar gratisjuego casino linea the clear waters of Southern Chile and the silty (on non dammed) rivers found to the North. Secondly the Maule valley has the distinction of being the southern terminus of the both the Spanish and Inca empires. the proud and fierce native Mapuche warriors took a stand at the Maule and it was never to be crossed.

From the city of Talca turn east and drive up the Maule drainage. Do not be concerned if the riverbed becomes completely dry. This is from the upstream dams and dewatering for irrigation purposes. Continue driving upstream until you reach the police checkpoint in La Mina (approximately 100 km from Talca). Here you will need to present and probably leave your passport to continue upstream. Many kayakers have been stymied at this point due to poor paperwork on the vehicles, no passports, etc. Be polite and if asked say you want to visit the hot springs. A death occurred on the river a few years ago and the police might argue if you make it obvious you plan to boat.

Surfing on the Maule foto by John Mattson

Once through the checkpoint the riverbed should once again have plenty of water so continue 1-2 km to the Banos de El Medano (925 meters above sea level). These hot springs serve as the takeout. To reach the put in, continue 21 km to the swinging bridge which leads to some very marginal hot springs on the other side of the river. This bridge at 1525 meters above sea level is the normal upper put in. At higher flows above 2000 CFS most mortals will tuck their tail between their legs and move 2 km downstream to avoid this initial section of class 5+ thundering chaos. After the first 2 KM the river rhythm tapers off and opens up into wide open high speed wave trains with some great play. Three times throughout the run the river enters distinct canyons each of which contains serious whitewater. Like many kayak runs it just so happens that you do not see these canyon stretches from the vehicle while driving to the put-in. Depending on water levels some may choose to portage parts of these canyons none of which is more than a few hundred meters long.

Note 1: I once ran the Maule in early October on natural flow and it was excellent. The water up highs tarted out small but ice cold glacial tributaries entered constantly making the takeout volume substantial.

Note 2: A few km above the swinging bridge put in is a 100+ foot waterfall. Definitely worth the minimal effort to see this impressive site.

Note 3: Ben May and Nathan Sullivan report more intense whitewater above the falls but below the lake and the border crossing.

Note 4: Other great nearby rivers are The Ancoa, Achibueno, Melado

The river is best run during late spring and early summer run off (November to January). I would estimate that ideal flows range from 1000 to 2000 CFS. The source of the river is Laguna Achibueno high up near the Argentine border. As the river drops it passes three distinct peaks, Volcan Longaví (3242 meters), La Gloria and Las Animas (the spirits). All three are majestic peaks that also offer premier backcountry skiing.

The Achibueno road to the put-in near La Mula

There are two distinct runs. The lower is a class 3-4 10 KM run with road service. The upper class 4-5 section requires boat hiking and is a full day adventure.

To reach the take out for the lower takeout leave the Pan American highway at Linares and head east to LLepo (16 km) then continue on to Aduanas El Pejerrey (21 km). Continue upstream several KM and you will come to turn to a bridge crossing at Vado Azul. This is the takeout or you can continue downstream 3 km to get a mini class 5 canyon. To reach the put in continue upstream 10 KM to La Mula. At this point there is a steep grade down to an animal bridge over the river. This is the lower put in. The run should take several hours and has an average drop of 75 FPM.

Canyon stretch on lower Achibueno Foto by Cristian Garcia

This is also the takeout for the upper section. The road from this point is extremely poor but if you have a good truck you can continue driving upstream as far as you can get or you can start hiking.

To get “the goods” I would estimate 6-7 hours of boat hiking is required. After 3-1/2 hours of hiking from La Mula you will come to Estero Las Animas. Cross the creek and continue on another 1-1/2 hours and you reach Estero La Gloria. There is a house here and it is a good place to camp and/or stash gear. What we did was camp here the first night and continue hiking in the AM. Prior to making camp we hiked up Estero La Gloria and ran a 2 KM stretch which started with class 5 and finished right at our campsite. The following morning we hiked an additional 6 hours upstream. We passed the entrance of the silty, gray Rio Portillo and walked onwards an eventually stopped 30 minutes above the entrance of the Rio de Los Patos on the flanks of Volcan Longaví. The river here was crystal clear and only 400 CFS. In retrospect all this boat hiking could be limited to the 1 km stretch above La Gloria. Here the Achibueno sports continuous, boat-scoutable, class 4-5 rapids with granite boulder gardens resembling some of California’s finest.

From 1 KM above La Gloria the run back to La Mula takes 3-4 hours and involves no scouts and no portages. The gradient averages well in excess of 140 FPM and makes for a perfect easy but challenging class 5 run.

Note: The classic Ancoa river is less than an hour away. In addition to a run on the Achibueno think about runs on both creeks Las Animas and La Gloria. We paddled a 2 km section on each and found it worth the extra efforts.

The source of the river is Laguna Dial which lies in the heart of the Andes by the Argentine border. Due to the presence of
Atosa in Argentinian cattle the region has been closed to humans and animals alike by the Chilean health organization SAG in an effort to keep Chilean cattle from mixing with their Argentinian counterparts in the high summer pastureland around Laguna Dial.
In March 2004 Robbie Dastin had flown over the river in a private plane and described the river as “real big” even in the low water month of March. To get to the put in one has to travel a long distance by foot or by horse. In December of 1997 Robbie and I tried to reach Laguna Dial from the South by horseback from the Nuble/Los Sauces valley but were turned back by high snowpack.

In the low water year on 2005 we returned with Zach “Delsapo” Cowan in December this time trying to reach it from the North.We drove up the Maule valley past town of Amerillo. the gravel road crosses the Maule to river left and soon you come to Las Garzas. Here the main river to continue up the Maule veers left but stay to the right. The road will eventually climb up Enemigo Creek and drop down the other side into the Melado Valley. There is good camping and large sand beaches as you approach the river. As you head upriver you will eventually come to a bridge. Do not cross the bridge. Stay on same side of river and continue upstream. Soon you will come to the diversion where water is funneled into a tunnel to pass through the mountains into the Ancoa drainage. This is a good takeout spot if you are just doing the lower run. To reach the put in point for the lower 15 km run or to reach the starting point to hike for the upper section continue upstream to the absolute end of the road. You will need to get through a SAG checkpoint about 3 km before the road ends. The road does end at a bridge over a tributary called Rio La Fuente. This is a great put in for the lower and the tributary is a 1-1/2 km class 4 blast into the Melado. The lower Melado is a big volume class 4 + run with pool drop rapids.

The foto below is the put in under the bridge over La Fuente. This is also the “end of the road”.

If you want to run the upper stretch it will be a major adventure and requires several days. The whitewater is mostly class 3 but the trip is an outstanding multi-day trip into the Chilean wilderness. At the SAG gate ask for someone who can find horses. It will be a 2-3 day horseback trip up the canyon. The hardest part is ferrying the the chest deep class 3+ river crossing at the beginning of the trip. After about 40 km of seeing nothing you will come to a remote Caribinero outpost. We were welcomed warmly here and given smoked rabbit they had caught in the area and homemade Pisco. Near this point there are two distinct forks in the river. The fork from the East is flat but the western fork falling from Laguna Dial is steep and full of action. Go up this fork as high as you are comfortable. It is several KM up to the lake and gradient gets steeper and steeper as you rise. Regardless of where you put in make sure you spend a night at Laguna Dial. This pristine lake lake is rimmed by snow and full of gargantuan, hungry trout. Bring a fly rod and enjoy views and the sunset for what feels like the top of the world. On our trip the rim of the lake was full of PUMA tracks.

Robbie “sketch” Dastin hoofin it to the Put in

On the kayak trip back it takes approximatley 6-1/2 hours of intense paddling once you reach the confluence of the two rivers near the carninero outpost to the SAG outpost 40 plus KM downstream.

Kurt Casey

Sunset on Melado

Columar basalt walls Rio Melado

Robbie getting directions

Trail to Laguna Dial