The Birkenhead River provides more challenging Class III–IV kayaking in tighter confines as the river runs for about 3 miles (5 km) between the narrow bridge over the Birkenhead north of Owl Creek on the D’Arcy–Anderson Lake Road and another bridge near Mount Currie on the road that leads to the Pemberton Sportsmen’s Wildlife Association fish hatchery. To find the takeout, turn east onto a gravel road on the south side of the train tracks as the D’Arcy–Anderson Lake Road leaves Mount Currie.

The clear Birkenhead River melds with the murky green waters of the Lillooet River just as the two empty into the north end of Lillooet Lake. Beginning in August, successive runs of sockeye salmon enter the Birkenhead from the lake, having made their way this far from the Pacific via the Fraser River and Harrison Lake. When they do, the river runs red with the stock returning to spawn. This is a stunning sight, an autumn treat that rivals the changing colours in the forest along the riverbank.

Although the salmon aren’t feeding, you can sometimes fish for the rainbow trout that follow in their wake. The best place to launch is beside the more northerly of the two Birkenhead River bridges on Hwy 99, at the head of Lillooet Lake. You’ll often see anglers casting from the banks of the Birkenhead beside the D’Arcy–Anderson Lake Road. Birkenhead Lake is a popular fishing spot (even in winter), particularly at the mouth of Sockeye Creek. Try gang trolling using a wedding band or flatfish.