Deceased Logger's Gravesites on the Madawaska River
Posted by: 
model12
N 45° 14.105 W 077° 16.382
18T E 321584 N 5011579
Carved into the faces of rock outcroppings are the grave markers for loggers who died at these falls in the 1800s and 1900s.
Waymark Code: WMCT3F
Location: Ontario, Canada
Date Posted: 10/09/2011
Views: 22
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. Often, the body was never located, and if it was, it was buried along the shore and a memorial carved into a nearby rock by his fellow workers. Please be respectful of where you are. There are many souls commemorated here.
While at this spot on the river, take a walk towards the falls and look closely at the aspect of all the giant slabs of rock that line the shore and the base of the falls. These are the TEETH of the Madawaska, also a waymark.
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. 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. From it's source 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 lost their lives trying un-jam logjams, since everything flowing downriver with the current is constantly getting trapped by the 'teeth.'
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 the fork in the Pines keep left, now it's called Addington Road, and at approximately the 14 km point from Griffith, 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.
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.