The Río Espolón is a tributary of the Río Futaleufú in the Los Lagos Region of Chilean Patagonia. It flows out of Lago Espolón, a lake approximately 30 kilometers long, and runs through the area surrounding the town of Futaleufú before joining the Río Futaleufú at its confluence. The river is described as gin clear, with water quality that supports significant rainbow and brown trout populations, making it attractive to both paddlers and fly fishers.

The river is generally rated Class II, with one notable surf wave that is described as dynamic and well-suited for practicing kayaking fundamentals. The eddies along the Espolón are noted as particularly well-formed for skill development. A typical run covers the river from top to bottom, finishing at the confluence with the Río Futaleufú, where paddlers ferry across the larger river's high-volume water to reach the takeout. The total paddling distance for a beginner-oriented route is approximately 6 kilometers (about 4 miles). This section is considered accessible to beginners under instruction, though the confluence with the Futaleufú involves big-water conditions that require attention.

For more experienced paddlers, the Espolón serves as a training ground within the broader Río Futaleufú system, which encompasses roughly 45 miles of whitewater across the Futaleufú, Espolón, and Río Azul. The Espolón's surf wave is specifically used to develop skills—rolls on both sides, forward strokes, sweep strokes, and stern draws—in preparation for the more technical sections of the Futaleufú. The river is also floatable by cataraft and is described as a mellow option suitable for families.

The primary paddling season runs from December to March, corresponding to the Southern Hemisphere summer. The river flows through scenic Patagonian terrain around Futaleufú, and the surrounding area offers a high degree of natural experience. Guided kayaking activities on the Espolón typically depart from Futaleufú, with the exact put-in location subject to adjustment based on weather conditions. Equipment provided on guided trips generally includes kayak, paddle, helmet, gloves, and life jacket.