A classic Grenville Channel overnight stop where you anchor in deep, sheltered Nettle Basin within earshot of Verney Falls, a tidal waterfall at the mouth of the Kumowdah River that doubles in height at low water.
Lowe Inlet indents the east side of Grenville Channel roughly 118 km south of Prince Rupert, and almost every northbound or southbound cruiser tucks into Nettle Basin at its head. The basin sits directly in front of Verney Falls, where the Kumowdah River pours over a rock lip into the saltwater. The falls run year-round and provide a constant, soothing soundtrack at anchor; their height visibly changes with the tide, dramatic at low water and partly drowned at high.
The surrounding terrain is steep, forested and protective, and the whole anchorage lies within Lowe Inlet Marine Provincial Park. During the August-September salmon run the area comes alive with leaping fish, black bears, seals and eagles feeding below the falls. It is wilderness anchoring: no docks, no services and no potable water ashore.
Holding is good in mud and boats commonly lie comfortably for several days. The freshwater outflow from the falls keeps vessels gently streamed back on their rodes and lays a thin lens of fresh water across the surface near the head of the basin.
Approach notes, hazards to watch for, and what's available once you're tied up.
Enter Lowe Inlet from Grenville Channel near 53 deg 32.4'N 129 deg 36.1'W and proceed to Nettle Basin at the head. The basin is deep, so most boats anchor in roughly 90-100 ft and pay out generous scope (cruisers report 300 ft of chain in 90 ft). Plan for the large North Coast tidal range when setting scope and judging swinging room.
The main hazard is the shoaling shelf that fans out from Verney Falls and the river mouth: stay off the shallows directly in front of the falls and either anchor a little out from them or nestle into the bay to the east. The falls produce a steady freshwater current that keeps boats lying toward the basin rather than swinging freely, which should be accounted for when picking a spot relative to neighbors. Fishing is restricted within 100 m seaward of the falls (July 1-Oct 31).
Wind protection summary and tide planning at a glance. Full per-direction and 7-day detail with Plus.
Live readings from the nearest OpenWeather station and WorldTides; refreshed every few minutes.
Source: OpenWeather One Call API + WorldTides.
A curated photo + map walkthrough showing approach, mooring options, and points of interest.
A guided walkthrough of Lowe Inlet with approach photos, depth notes, and points of interest — written by members who have been here recently.
Real first-hand reports and questions answered by members who have actually been here.
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Cruising-distance picks near this anchorage.
