The Madawaska River is a river in Ontario, 230 km long and drains an area of 8,470 km2. It originates at Source Lake in the highlands of Algonquin Park at an elevation of 450 m and flows east, dropping 380 m before emptying into the Ottawa River at Arnprior.
To get to the posted coords, you will need a canoe or kayak, and a vehicle capable of navigating gravel and bush roads.
Follow Hwy 41 from Eganville in the north or from Napanee in the south, to the town of Griffith. At Griffith turn north onto the Hyland Creek Road. At approximately the 14 km point, on Hyland Creek Road, turn left on Slate Falls Road at N 45° 14.850 W 077° 16.369. Travel approx 1km to the gate and parking at Slate Falls Geocache http://coord.info/GCW14Y. It's a short hike down the road to the put in at N 45° 14.333 W 077° 16.012. This portion of the river is within the boundaries of The Lower Madawaska River Provincial Park. No fees are required. Visitors must then paddle up river approx 600 metres to the bottom of Slate Falls.
At the posted coordinates you should find yourself in the middle of the bay looking west towards the base of the falls. To your right is the north shore where a Memorial Cairn to loggers who have died on the river is located at N45 14.207 W077 16.229. It is also a waymark.
From here paddle across the river to the south shore to N45 14.105 W077 16.382, where you will find a large rock with writing carved into it. These are the grave markers for loggers who died at these falls. Look around in a 20 metres radius and you will discover DOZENS of other carved memorials to deceased loggers. Life was brutal on this river back in the 1800s and 1900s.
And on to the "Teeth of the Madawaska." Take a walk towards the base of the falls and look closely at the aspect of all the giant slabs of limestone that line the shore and the base of the falls.
The peculiar nature of the geology of this area, and especially the river, is that during the period of tectonic movement and upthrust, the underlying mantle fractured, and was thrust to a near vertical position. In addition, volcanic lava spewed out of the earth and formed volcanic rock outcroppings, much of it just barely under water. All this makes for a deadly combination, since when the river formed and flowed downhill, it was flowing directly into the jagged teeth of the rocks of gneiss, limestone, marble and volcanic rock. From it's headwaters high in Source Lake to the Ottawa River at Arnprior, this river is full of death traps and vicious ledges and jagged boulders, all facing upstream. It is little wonder that so many men lost their lives trying un-jam logjams, since everything flowing downriver with the current is constantly getting trapped by the 'teeth.'
Proceed, carefully, along the south shoreline on the river back towards the putin, to N45 14.127 W077 16.158, where you will see some volcanic rock, both above and below water.
Careful near the shoreline; don't get caught in the teeth! There are lots of underwater (barely) traps waiting to snag your boat. Head downstream to N45 14.147 W077 16.140, and as you go, take note of the many geological features to be found in this area including chatter marks, potholes, scours, volcanic inclusions, and more.
Now you should be well on your way back to the putin, but go carefully, especially in low water, as there are boulders the size of trucks lying in wait for you just under the water...waiting to sink their teeth into you.
Please take and post lots of photos if you have that ability.
If you brought along a fishing rod, the action at the base of the falls is reputed to be fierce.
And finally, the absolute best time to visit is October, before the deer season opens in November, usually the first full 2 weeks. If you come in spring expect high water, bugs, and increased difficulty getting to the falls and the WPs.
The Madawaska River is a mecca for whitewater and flatwater canoeists. Thousands of people come to the Mad every year to experience the best rapids in the world. Ministry approved Putins and Takouts can be found at here at Slate Falls, as well as at Aumonds Bay and Buck Bay, further upriver. Outfitters at Quadeville and Griffith can provide rental boats and equipment.