Lower North Oropouche – Valencia River

Lower North Oropouche

The river that runs through the famous liming spot at the Valencia bridge, is the that of the north Oropouche river.

Valencia River
Valencia River

Valencia River

Also known as the Valencia river it is a big weekend attraction, as the open area at the bridge makes for a great river liming spot.

There is parking and some shady areas great for cooking that curry duck.

The only thing missing is facilities but nevertheless it is always packed on a weekend.

Around the bridge there are some nice spots for swimming, or just lying in the water, suitable for strong and weak swimmers alike.

Valencia River
Valencia River

The Journey

Our adventure starts at the bridge, after parking, we geared up and hit the river.

Life jackets, rope, cutlass, and all electronics put away securely.

We started by walking up the river, along the rocky mossy terrain, proper shoes is advised because the terrain is very slippery.

Lower North Oropouche
Lower North Oropouche

Walking up the rock river we passed a number of limestone type steps, and then came upon the most beautiful gorge.

It looks to be more than a hundred feet long with a big deep pool, with tall rocky hill on either side.

Lower North Oropouche
Lower North Oropouche

Oh My Gorge

Here is where it gets interesting, life jackets on and we proceed to move forward.

You have to swim upstream, and if the current is strong it would see seem to be a challenge but really worth the effort.

After that big gorge, we traverse through some smaller ones, making our way up river.

Lower North Oropouche
Lower North Oropouche

It so amazing to see some of the crystal-clear pools as the sunlight hits the water, its truly beautiful.

it would eventually take you about an hour from start, across those gorges and magnificent pools before reaching your destination at the WASA dam or pumping station.

Lower North Oropouche
Lower North Oropouche

At the dam there are places to sit and relax, a nice pool not too deep in certain areas you can relax in.

You can also lay on the wall of the dam and enjoy the water as it flows over into the pool below.

A truly enjoyable hike, for a sunny day, not too long or hard and plenty water.

Google map showing trail and location.