Crossing rivers and streams when hiking can be one of the most dangerous things you’ll do. From getting swept away to simply falling and getting wet in cold weather it can kill you. Here are a few tips for crossing fast moving streams and rivers. Of course, it doesn’t have to just be “fast moving” to be dangerous as deep water and under water currents can get you too.
Find a Safe Place to Cross – Just because others have crossed at a certain point doesn’t mean it’s the safest. This is most often the case, but not always. You may have to travel several feet to several miles up or down stream to find the best crossing point. If you’re in a place like Alaska with huge snow melts and often without trails looking for the best place is a must. The widest section of a stream or river is most often the most shallow and slowest moving.
Unbuckle your Waist Belt – This is an easy one to forget, but if you fall into fast moving or deep water while hooked to your backpack you’ll be pulled down with it. Imagine trying to undo your chest strap and your waist belt while being pulled downstream underwater.
Use Hiking Sticks – Or any stick you can find. This will provide support and allow you to test the water in front of you before you make the next step.
Avoid Rapids – Never cross in rapids. Even if the water isn’t deep rapids are very strong and can easily pin you between rocks on the bottom.
Keep Your Gear Dry – In the case that you do fall or your back gets wet you want to ensure that your extra clothing, food, electronics, sleeping bag, and other gear is dry. If you’re miles from civilization wet gear can kill you. Before you cross remove your boots and tie high on your pack. I like to keep an old pair of Teva style sandals for river crossings and for loafing around camp.
Photo by Moresheth
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After hiking two days in a river (Parunaweep canyon) and spraining my ankle from walking with tevas, I decided it is totally worth it to just wear my hiking boots. They dry easy if you are in a dry area. I know people freak out and think they will get blisters and maybe that does happen to some people. I haven’t gotten blisters after wearing my boots in river crossings so far (knock on wood). I guess you have to weigh your options (and weak ankles!!). But don’t let river crossing daunt you from an amazing hike
Good hiking boots are built to get wet and the traction you get from them hardly ever gets put to a better purpose than on a slippery creek bottom. I take mine off after the crossing and put on a dry pair of socks if I have them, otherwise just wring out the ones I had on.
Helps to go across sideways with your back to the current, using a stick downstream as a balancing point. Going forwards lets the current knock your feet sideways. I’ve crossed quite a few rapids, if the water isn’t too deep you can use this trick. Common sense helps, if you’d be in serious danger from a fall then don’t do that.
Depending on how deep the river is, you can remove your backpack and use it as a flotation device.