The canoeist's trip anywhere on the River can be abruptly lengthened. Sudden storms are not uncommon. Water volume during normal times ranges from 55 to 1500 cubic metres per second. River width is a factor in that regard. At the Splits the width broadens to several kilometres but upriver is the Gate with a width of only a few metres, this in a canyon with 450 metre vertical walls.
Access is by plane or boat.
Visitors must check in and check out. Depending on their plans visitors are advised to check ahead because weather and river conditions play greater roles than vacation schedules or flight plans from the city. In any case, access to the area requires registration, statements of purpose, permits, all of which should be done well beforehand. Officials can provide detailed information regarding river conditions, camping, provisioning, even clothing. Survival is not taken for granted in this region.