Time in The North – The Upper Upper Eiteraaga…

 

‘… There are some waterfalls up there. I don’t paddle waterfalls, but I think they look good to go…”It’s about 7AM when these words drift into my dew sprinkled sleeping bag. They come from a passing kayaker, keen to pass on some river info. Gratitude will come later, but for now all I can manage is a vaguely interested mumble. It’s been light since 4AM, and before that it was only dim, which is one of the issues with sleeping in the open when you’re this far north. Nobody likes to be woken early, and it seems that even being a thousand miles from anything you’d call civilisation doesn’t guarantee you a lie in.

We’d been on the road for a week, on a hastily assembled trip north to enjoy the last of the snowmelt. Although technically in Nord Norge (North Norway), Hattfjelldall is a mere 6 hours north of Trondheim and therefore considered a southern outpost by true northerners. The rivers however, are as good as anywhere in the world, and as well as top class paddling, we had enjoyed fine weather, fishing, lakeside camping, and freshly picked blueberry pancakes. Now nearing the end of our trip, we were sleeping peacefully on the pristine shore of the Unkervatnet, when aforementioned kayaker Pål strolled into camp, to share some info on a nearby river; yet to be fully explored.

The river in question is the Eiteraaga, which translates as something in English, if you also speak Norwegian. Although its lower stretches have seen many descents, there is a steep canyon high up the valley which we’re told it involves a short, steep hike, and some waterfalls. It is with hope more than expectation that we head up the valley. Hucking tips from those who ‘don’t paddle waterfalls’ are unreliable at best, however the weather is good, the berries are ripe, and the snow has all but melted, leaving us with limited paddling options.

Upon arrival at the take out we are presented with the following view, as we hike up the valley, things only get better …

A huge thanks must go to Pål Kalleberg for telling us about the waterfalls, and big love to Nini Bondhus, Tom Budd, and Nick Pearce for top paddling adventures.

If you like you can see my Go Pro footage from the trip here:

If you haven’t already been, the North of Norway is a must for any whitewater paddler. The documented rivers are some of the best anywhere, and there are still countless rivers yet to be discovered by paddlers. Go there!

I’m now looking forward to some autumn paddling in South West England, bring on the rain.

Happy paddling,

Nick