[1][4] Its drainage basin covers about 1,485 km2 (573 sq mi)[5] and contains the largest blocks of unlogged land on the north coast of British Columbia,[6] although large-scale industrial logging operations, both active and proposed, have been occurring in the watershed since the 1980s.

The Gitzaxłaał Tsimshian had two main seasonal villages in the watershed: Spiksuut, at the river's mouth where Port Essington is now,[8] and Txalmisso', at Big Falls Creek.

It consists of a dam near the outlet of Brown Lake and a 600 m (2,000 ft) tunnel to a powerhouse near sea level, which generates 7.2 MW.

Electricity is delivered to the BC Hydro power grid via a submarine cable and a connection to the transmission line on the east side of the Ecstall River.

[23][24][25][26][27] The Port Essington Indian Reserve, of the Tsimshian Kitsumkalum and Kitselas people, is located near the mouth of the Ecstall River.

[5] The floodplains and alluvial areas support large spruce, hemlock, and deciduous trees, with an understory consisting principally of salmonberry, ferns, and devil's club.

[5] Eulachon, which historically were harvested by Tsimshian people and traded via grease trails, spawn in the tidal portion of the Ecstall River.