Salto Nilahue, Region X, Patagonia, Chile

Salto Nilahue was the last stop on the "Epic Patagonia Kayak Roadtrip." After 3 weeks paddling the Futa, Baker and other big rivers, the boys were fired up to run a big drop. In between Puerto Montt (where the ferry dropped us) and Temuco (where we needed to return the rental truck) lies the Salto Nilahue, the perfect end to a perfect trip.

A year and a half ago this waterfall was first run by LJ Groth and Trip Jennings as a straight 60+ foot drop. Shortly after their run the drop collapsed and has been constantly changing since. The new version was first run at the beginning of this season by Ian Garcia, Cris Korbulic and Rodrigo Tuschner. Since their new first its only been fired up by a few other crews. Tom, Phil and I ran the huge falls on Feb 23rd, 2008. Tom ran three times... it was THAT good. The first 30-35 feet are a near vertical ramp which terminates in a 30-35 foot freefall.

Phil Caravick down the middle.

Tom's first run, a little off.

Tom's second, nailed it.

Jonathan about to freefall.

The drop was the largest I've ever paddled and had a softer landing than expected. The spot is very photogenic and not too hard to get to. If you go to Rio Bueno, Chile and head east 50km to Lago Ranco, the road turns to dirt 1km past the town of Lago Ranco. Follow the road 22km and you'll see signs for the falls. We paid 800 pesos ($1.75) for access and picnic area.