Princess Louisa Inlet and Malibu Rapids

Up early, we prepared to meet s/v Thor as she motored past at 5:55am. We had a perfectly flat motor up Jervis Inlet, into Prince of Wales Reach, which turns again to Princess Royal Reach and then headed up into Queens Reach.  We estimated that the entire passage would take about 7 hours.  The goal was to arrive at Malibu Rapids, the entrance to Princess Louisa Inlet at slack water.  The timing is important on Malibu Rapids as it is a very narrow entrance into the Inlet. The shallow access point combined with strong current can put a boat sideways into the rocks. To pass through the rapids at any other time would be foul hardy.  As it turned out, our arrival was a little early due to the flood that was pushing us along. Turning off the engine we bobbed in an eddy off Patrick Point and had lunch, waiting for the appropriate time to pass through. At the point of entrance to the rapids sits an old lodge which was once a hide out for the Hollywood types before the war. Now it is a Christian youth camp (luxury resort). They have a great view of boats coming and going. This can be a blessing or distraction.

The entire passage up the inlets and reaches was so full of waterfalls and glacial valleys the words can’t describe it. Mountain peaks rise 6500 ft from sea level, snow melt is feeding waterfalls from the top all the way to the sea. The volume of water coming off these ridges and peaks is incredible.

Within the Princess Louisa Inlet there continues to be waterfalls at every turn. There are not many spots to anchor due to the depth within the reach. We were recording 300+ foot depths close to shore. There are some spots where you can anchor and place a stern tie to prevent swing. The first night we went all the way to the head at Chatterbox Falls. We dropped anchor (several times) and finally got a good hold and placed our stern line. Congratulating ourselves on a day well done we celebrated with a beer.  Louis joined us on deck and within a few minutes was on high alert! His nose was pointing, whiskers so forward that they were almost shooting off his face. We followed his gaze and……a bear emerged from the wooded shore.

We did some limited exploration by dinghy but the rain started so we headed back to Talos IV to dry off, warm up and get some dinner.  Tomorrow is another day that we plan to use to explore this amazing place.  There are a few trails to hike and another dinghy ride is likely.

Today we went for a dinghy adventure, exploring Chatterbox Falls and the surrounding trails. The hike to Trappers Cabin was intriguing but not available to us due to rain and treacherous conditions. We checked out the shoreline looking for bears and other wildlife. The evening came to a close with Mark and Lori on s/v Thor serving quesadilla and us bringing beer. It seems we are all feeling a little closed in at the head of the inlet here. Tomorrow we depart planning to stop at Hardy Island and the opening to Jervis Inlet. We figure on having about a 6-7 hour passage.

Water falls every where.

Janet at the helm keeping an eye on things.

Janet taking a break as we cruise up the Jervis Inlet.

Princess Louisa Inlet looking back towards Malibu Rapids.

Black bear on shore behind boat where we were anchored.

Louie and Paul checking out the bear on shore.

More waterfalls.  They were every where you looked.

Chatterbox Falls, at the head of Princess Louisa Inlet.

Talos IV with Soda Pop Falls in the background
(so called because of the effervescent effect off the falls
hitting the water).  Is much bigger than this photo
makes it appear.