Homathko River

Homathko River
Early morning on the Homathko
Mouth of Homathko River
EtymologyFrom a Mainland Comox word meaning "swift water"
Native name
Location
CountryCanada
ProvinceBritish Columbia
Physical characteristics
SourceUnnamed lake
 • locationCoast Mountains
 • coordinates51°42′39″N 124°36′15″W / 51.71083°N 124.60417°W / 51.71083; -124.60417
 • elevation2,126 m (6,975 ft)
MouthPacific Ocean
 • location
Bute Inlet, Coast Mountains
 • coordinates
50°55′52″N 124°51′37″W / 50.93111°N 124.86028°W / 50.93111; -124.86028
 • elevation
0 m (0 ft)
Length144 km (89 mi)
Basin size5,680 km2 (2,190 sq mi)
Discharge 
 • locationmouth
 • average269 m3/s (9,500 cu ft/s)
 • minimum30.0 m3/s (1,060 cu ft/s)
 • maximum3,140 m3/s (111,000 cu ft/s)

The Homathko River is one of the major rivers of the southern Coast Mountains of the Canadian province of British Columbia. It is one of the few rivers that penetrates the range from the interior Chilcotin Country to the coastal inlets of the Pacific Ocean, rising near Tatla Lake, and reaching the sea at the head of Bute Inlet, just west of the mouth of the Southgate River.

The Homathko River Valley is one of the most difficult rivers in BC to navigate or explore. The frigid waters make crossing impossible, the valley is lined with devil's club, and home to many grizzly bears.