The Río Golgol is a short, steep whitewater run located on the road toward Paso Puyehue, near the Argentine border in southern Chile. The river flows in an east-west direction, originating from Constancia Lake and emptying into Puyehue Lake, running between the volcanic massifs of Puyehue-Cordón Caulle and Casablanca. The classic paddling section begins at the put-in near Salto Los Novios, just before the border checkpoint, and is defined by a series of drops and waterfalls that progressively increase in size.

The run consists of roughly six major drops, culminating in the final waterfall known as Salto del Indio, a roughly 40 to 50-foot plunge into a large pool. The character of the run is technical and demanding — one drop requires a ferry move before committing to a five-metre fall, and another sends paddlers deep on landing. The lower canyon below Salto del Indio is considered borderline unrunnable and has caught out experienced paddlers. The river is described as having clean, inviting lines, but it can become feverish and treacherous, particularly at high water. The Golgol is considered a spring-season run, though it typically holds enough water to paddle outside that window as well.

Paddlers should be aware that rangers patrol the surrounding area, and camping in the wilderness is discouraged. The recommended accommodation for kayakers is Camping del Indio, which is reported to be welcoming to paddlers and offers competitive rates. The Argentine border crossing is approximately five minutes from the campsite, which is a useful logistical reference for those combining the Golgol with a broader Chile-Argentina trip.

The river also draws sport fishermen, so paddlers may encounter fishing activity on or near the water. The surrounding landscape sits within the Puyehue area, flanked by volcanoes, and the river corridor reflects the dense, jungle-like vegetation characteristic of this part of Los Ríos. Despite its short length, the Golgol is consistently cited by experienced paddlers as one of the standout creek runs in Chile.