BRT Insights - WW Kayaking & Hiking

Guest authors: Shawn O’Brien & Walter (Lee) Schmelter

Dear Paddlers and Friends,

Recreational access to Cache Creek at Rumsey Bridge has been restored! Since the 1930's the public enjoyed access to beautiful Cache Creek via the Rumsey Bridge access point. River users were disappointed and frustrated when in the spring of 2010 public access was illegally blocked.

(Doubleclick on the pictures to see the larger image - use the back button to return.)

Before: Rumsey Bridge across Cache Creek - access blocked by huge debris pile, Spring 2010.

After more than a year of negotiations we were able develop a workable solution with the cooperation of the landowners. Impetus for resolving the easement blockage originated from two concerned paddlers - Shawn O'Brien of Ukiah (myself) and attorney Walter (“Lee”)) Schmelter of Sacramento - but we would not have been successful without the assistance of many others. Several groups and individuals made significant contributions of time and effort to this project, including Yolo County; the California Conservation Corps (which built the access path as a community service project); Senator Mike Thompson's office; Andrew Fulks of Tuleyome; the California State Land Commission; attorney John Holland; and the local residents of Rumsey. All were all pivotal players.

During: California Conservation Corps clearing the easement January 12-13, 2012.


The newly designated path, construction gifted by the California Conservation Corps, is across the river from Rumsey, on river-left, upriver and parallel to the bridge. The landowners agreed to a ten-foot wide path - though the recorded Hwy. 41 easement

extends but three feet on either side of the bridge. One good wide path is a better arrangement for all. Public parking is permitted on the upstream side of the bridge, and is discouraged on the downstream side of bridge. Of course, use discretion when deciding how many vehicles can park along the road. Plentiful and visible parking is available a short walk away at the Rumsey Post Office on Route 16. When putting-in or taking-out please stay within the ten-foot wide path parallel to the bridge, being mindful of private property.

The Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”) donated "Pack it in Pack It Out" signs, which were reworked by Yolo County Maintenance Dept. However, no maintenance of this site is planned by Yolo County. Fellow river-users (as always) are strongly encouraged to help maintain this access point, including trash removal and control of vegetation overgrowth along the existing path while respecting private property. Invasive non-native tamarisk trees are an issue at this site: Historic photos show that without maintenance it took less than six years for tamarisk to completely overtake this site. Many thanks to all the individuals who contributed to this positive outcome by posting our letters, providing historical usage statements and photographs and providing many important contacts we could not easily have made on our own.

After: Newly designated agreed access path at Rumsey Bridge.


Happy Paddling,
Shawn O'Brien (fitnessonthemove@pacific.net)
and
Lee Schmelter, Attorney at Law (saclaw@surewest.net)
65 Thirty Sixth Way, Sacramento, Ca. 95819
Phone: 916 457.9001
FAX: 916 457.3200

For more information:
• (update) As rivers flow, so should public access - Editorials - Sacramento Bee 27march2012
• (update) California creeks, levees may be next battleground for public access - Sacramento Bee 25march2012.
• Cache Creek access issues at Rumsey Bridge - Letters needed to document history of public usage 04dec2010.
• Cache Creek Wild and Scenic - Whitewater Paddleboating Overview.
• Securing paddleboater's legal rights to whitewater river kayaking, rafting and canoeing in California and Nevada.
• West Coast River Touring - Rogue River Canyon and South, 1974. (pg. 197-201, book describes Cache Creek boating, including access at Rumsey Bridge)

Tags: river access, Cache Creek, Yolo County, California, river map, kayaking, rafting, canoeing, paddlesports, paddle boating, whitewater, river, wild and scenic, Capay Valley.

Labels: guide

Kayaking, Rafting, Canoeing and Innertubing Paddlesports - Madera County.

Coarsegold Creek is a tributary of the Fresno River, which is a tributary of the San Joaquin River.

Fresno River and Coarsegold Creek Whitewater Boating Runs.

1. Fresno River, Oakhurst to Goldside Dr ??, class ??, miles ??.
2. Fresno River, Goldside Drive to Road 600, class III-V, 3 miles.
3. Fresno River, Road 600 to Road 415, class IV-V(V+), 11 miles.
4. Fresno River, Road 415 to Lake Hensley, class IV-V+, 12 miles.
5. Fresno River, below Lake Hensley ??, class ??, miles ??.
6. Coarsegold Creek, Highway 41 to Spinelli Rd, class IV-V, 5 miles.
7. Coarsegold Creek, Spinelli Rd to Yosemite Springs Parkway ??, class ??, miles ??.
8. Coarsegold Creek, Yosemite Springs Parkway to Rd. 400, class II-III(IV), 7 Miles.

Real-time Flow - Fresno River whitewater.

• Fresno River real-time flow data - cdec.water.ca.gov. Hensley Lake reservoir inflow data for runs 1-4 and 6-8 above. Reservoir outflow data for run 4 above?? Hidden Dam impounds Hensley Lake Reservoir on the Fresno River.

River Map - access locations for Fresno River paddle boating.

• Interactive map. Click and drag to reposition map. Map user instructions.
• Zoom in and out using tool on the left. Point on the red markers to see their names.
• Map button = road map. Terrain = 3D shaded topo map. Topo = topographic map.
• Full-Screen Road and River Map: Fresno River access locations.



Geographic coordinates - Landmark names (markers on map above)
1. Fresno River, Oakhurst to Goldside Dr ??, class ??, miles ??.
N 37.32973 W 119.65575 - Oakhurst (A)
N 37.33475 W 119.70695 - Goldside Dr (B)

2. Fresno River, Goldside Dr to Road 600, class III-V, 3 miles.
N 37.33475 W 119.70695 - Goldside Dr (B)
N 37.34846 W 119.75153 - Road 600 (C)

3. Fresno River, Road 600 to Road 415, class IV-V(V+), 11 miles.
N 37.34846 W 119.75153 - Road 600 (C)
N 37.30386 W 119.76106 - Dupty Fire Rd 8084 ?? (D)
N 37.23709 W 119.77514 - Road 415 (E) (access in this area is problematic)

4. Fresno River, Road 415 to Lake Hensley, class IV-V+, 12 miles.
N 37.23709 W 119.77514 - Road 415 (E) (access in this area is problematic)
N 37.12159 W 119.88833 - Lake Hensley (F)

5. Fresno River, below Lake Hensley ??, class ??, miles ??.
N 37.10455 W 119.88899 - below Lake Hensley ?? (G)
N 37.07045 W 119.90783 - below Lake Hensley ??

6. Coarsegold Creek, Highway 41 to Spinelli Rd, class IV-V, 5 miles.
N 37.26012 W 119.70253 - Hwy 41 (H)
N 37.20658 W 119.72733 - Spinelli Rd (I)

7. Coarsegold Creek, Spinelli Rd to Yosemite Springs Parkway ??, class ??, miles ??.
N 37.20658 W 119.72733 - Spinelli Rd (I)
N 37.15584 W 119.73703 - Yosemite Springs Parkway (J)

8. Coarsegold Creek, Yosemite Springs Parkway to Rd. 400, class II-III(IV), 7 Miles.
N 37.15584 W 119.73703 - Yosemite Springs Parkway (J)
N 37.16835 W 119.83543 - Rd. 400 - near confluence with Fresno River (K)

Driving Directions, Map, Distance, Estimated Time & Road Conditions.

Mapquest provides directions, distance & time from your house to the river.
• For example: Davis, CA to Madera, CA - driving time 2 hrs 43 mins - 163 miles.

California Road Conditions (Delays or closures due to weather, construction, etc.)
• California Travel Information - highwayconditions.com.
• Road Conditions - California Dept Transportation.

Local weather in Coarsegold, CA (elevation 2,218 feet).

• Weather, Yosemite Lakes Park, Coarsegold CA.

Local weather in Madera, CA (elevation at Hensley Lake 540 feet).

Online River Guides for Paddle Boaters.

• Guide for Paddlesports on Fresno River - Guide for Coarsegold Creek (See section 1.)

Guidebooks and Printed Maps - Fresno River whitewater.

• None.

Fresno River Boating Stories REQUESTED !!

Contact me to submit your Fresno River and Coarsegold Creek trip reports. I am interested to post or link to your trip reports. Guest authors are encouraged to send in their whitewater boating trip stories, pictures & videos.

Whitewater River Recreation, Conservation & Environment.

• Fresno River Watershed Conservation and Recreation Directory. Coarsegold Creek Directory. Websites for the Fresno River valley. Display options - alphabetical 100. See section 1=kayaking-canoeing, 2=rafting-tubing, 3=environment-conservation, 4=fishing, 5=hiking-camping, 6=other-resources)

More information:
• Creeks and rivers nearby: Chowchilla River, San Joaquin River.
• San Joaquin Valley Region - California Paddleboating Guides.
• California Statewide Paddleboating Guides for Whitewater Rivers.
• California Road Maps and River Maps - Atlas and Gazetteer by Delorme, 2008.

Tags: rafting, canoeing, kayaking, tubing, river map, river guide.
Tags: Fresno River, Coarsegold Creek, California, Madera County, river, whitewater, paddle boating.

Labels: guide

Rafting, Kayaking, Innertubing and Canoeing Paddlesport - Madera County.

The Chowchilla River is a tributary of the San Joaquin River.

Chowchilla River Whitewater Boating Runs.

1. EF Chowchilla River, Bailey Flats to Road 800, class III-IV, 7 miles.
2. Chowchilla River, Road 800 to Eastman Lake, class ??, ~6 miles.
3. Chowchilla River, Buchanan Dam to Buchanan Hollow Rd, class ??, ~5 miles.

Real-time Flow - Chowchilla River whitewater.

• Chowchilla River real-time flow data - cdec.water.ca.gov. Buchanan Dam reservoir inflow data for runs 1 and 2 above. Reservoir outflow data for run 3 above. Buchanan Dam impounds Eastman Lake Reservoir on the Chowchilla River.

River Map - access locations for Chowchilla River paddle boating.

• Interactive map. Click and drag to reposition map. Map user instructions.
• The tool on the left zooms in and out. Point on the red markers to see their names.
• Map button = road map. Terrain = 3D shaded topo map. Topo = topographic map.
• Full-Screen Road and River Map: Chowchilla River access locations.



Geographic coordinates - Landmark names (markers on map above)
1. EF Chowchilla River, Bailey Flats to Road 800, class III-IV, 7 miles.
N 37.33696 W 119.82024 - Bailey Flats put-in (A)
N 37.28805 W 119.86917 - Road 800 take-out (B)

2. Chowchilla River, Road 800 to Eastman Lake, class ??, ~6 miles.
N 37.28805 W 119.86917 - Road 800 put-in (B)
N 37.26026 W 119.94633 - Eastman Lake take-out (C)

3. Chowchilla River, Buchanan Dam to Buchanan Hollow Rd, class ??, ~5 miles.
N 37.21666 W 119.98564 - Buchanan Dam put-in (D)
N 37.18754 W 120.04435 - Buchanan Hollow Rd take-out (E)

Driving Directions, Map, Distance, Estimated Time & Road Conditions.

Mapquest provides directions, distance & time from your house to the river.
• For example: Davis, CA to Raymond, CA - driving time 2 hrs 59 mins / 173 miles.

California Road Conditions (Delays or closures due to weather, construction, etc.)
• California Travel Information - highwayconditions.com.
• Road Conditions - California Dept Transportation.

Local weather in Raymond, CA (elevation 540 feet).

Online River Guides for Paddle Boaters.

• Directory for Paddlesports on Chowchilla River. (See section 1.)

Printed Maps and Guidebooks - Chowchilla River whitewater.

• None.

Chowchilla River Boating Stories REQUESTED !!

Contact me to submit your Chowchilla River trip report. I am interested to post or link to your trip reports. I welcome whitewater boating trip stories, pictures & videos from guest authors.

Whitewater River Recreation, Conservation & Environment.

• Chowchilla River Watershed Conservation and Recreation Directory. Websites for the Chowchilla River valley. Display options - alphabetical 100. See section 1=kayaking-canoeing, 2=rafting-tubing, 3=environment-conservation, 4=fishing, 5=hiking-camping, 6=other-resources)

More about:
• Rivers & creeks nearby: Merced River, (Fresno River, Coarsegold Creek), San Joaquin River.
• San Joaquin Valley Region - California Paddleboating Guides.
• California Statewide Boating Guides for Whitewater Rivers - Canoeing, Tubing, Rowing, Rafting, and Kayaking.
• California Road Maps and River Maps - Atlas and Gazetteer by Delorme, 2008.

Tags: kayaking, tubing, rafting, canoeing, river map, river guide.
Tags: Chowchilla River, California, Madera County, whitewater, paddle boating, river.

Labels: guide

Kayaking, Canoeing and Rafting Paddlesport - Los Angeles County.

Every bit of runnable whitewater should be treasured in an area like southern California where there is so little precipitation for so many months of the year.

San Antonio Creek Whitewater Boating Run.

1. San Antonio Creek, Mt. Baldy Road to San Antonio Dam, class IV, 1 mile.

Real-time Flow - San Antonio Creek whitewater.

• The tiny San Antonio Creek watershed produces boatable flows only during and shortly after large rainstorms.

River Map - access location for San Antonio Creek paddle boating.

• Interactive map. Click and drag to reposition map. Map user instructions.
• The tool on the left zooms in and out. Point on the red markers to see their names.
• Map button = road map. Terrain = 3D shaded topo map. Topo = topographic map.
• Full-Screen Road and River Map: San Antonio Creek access location.



Geographic coordinates - Landmark name (marker on map above)
1. San Antonio Creek, Mt. Baldy Road to San Antonio Dam, class IV, 1 mile.
N 34.17783 W 117.67572 - Mt. Baldy Road put-in (A)
N 34.16503 W 117.67887 - San Antonio Dam take-out (B)

Driving Directions, Map, Distance, Estimated Time & Road Conditions.

Mapquest provides directions, distance & time from your house to the river.
• From Davis, CA to Rancho Cucamonga, CA - driving time 6 hrs 43 mins - 433 miles.

California Road Conditions (Delays or closures due to weather, construction, etc.)
• California Travel Information - highwayconditions.com.
• Road Conditions - California Dept Transportation.

Local weather in Rancho Cucamonga, CA (elevation 1555 feet).

Online River Guides for Paddleboaters.

• Directory for Paddleboating on San Antonio Creek. (See section 1.)

Printed Maps and Guidebooks - San Antonio Creek whitewater.

• None.

San Antonio Creek Boating Stories REQUESTED !!

Contact me to submit your San Antonio Creek trip report. I am interested to post or link to your trip reports. I welcome whitewater boating trip stories, pictures & videos from guest authors.

Whitewater River Recreation & Environment.

• San Antonio Creek Valley Conservation and Recreation Directory. Web sites for the San Antonio Creek watershed. Set display options - alphabetical 100. Section 1=kayaking-canoeing, 2=rafting-tubing, 3=environment-conservation, 4=fishing, 5=hiking-camping, 6=other-resources)

More about:
• Rivers & creeks nearby: San Gabriel River, Santa Margarita River.
• Similar name that is not nearby: San Antonio River Paddleboating Guide - Salinas River tributary - Monterey County.
• Coastal Rivers of Central & Southern California Paddleboating Guides.
• Statewide Paddleboating Guides for California Whitewater Rivers - Rowing, Rafting, Canoeing, Tubing and Kayaking.
• California Road Maps and River Maps - Atlas and Gazetteer by Delorme, 2008.

Tags: kayaking, rafting, canoeing, river map.
Tags: San Antonio Creek, California, southern California, socal, Los Angeles County, whitewater, paddle boating, river.

Labels: guide

Kayaking, Canoeing and Rafting Paddlesport - Lassen County.

Susan River Whitewater Boating Runs - put-ins and other landmark locations.

1. Susan River, Devil's Corral to Susanville, class II-IIIp, 6.5 miles.

Real-time Flow - Susan River whitewater.

• Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service - Susan River at Susanville. Real-time river flow data and flow predictions.

River Map - access locations for Susan River paddle boating.

• The map is interactive. Click and drag to reposition map. Map user FAQ.
• Use the tool on the left to zoom in and out. Point on the red markers to see their names.
• Map button = road map. Terrain = 3D shaded topo map. Topo = topographic map.
• Full-Screen River Map: Susan River access locations.



Geographic coordinates - Landmark name (marker on map above)
1. Susan River, Devil's Corral to Susanville, class II-IIIp, 6.5 miles.
N 40.39559 W 120.78034 - Devil's Corral put-in (A)
N 40.41631 W 120.67082 - Near Susanville take-out (B)

Driving Directions, Map, Distance, Estimated Time & Road Conditions.

Mapquest provides directions, distance & time from your house to the river.
• From Davis, CA to Susanville, CA - driving time 3 hrs 44 mins - 200 miles.

California Road Conditions (Delays or closures due to weather, construction, etc.)
• California Travel Information - highwayconditions.com.
• Road Conditions - California Dept Transportation.

Local weather in Susanville, CA (elevation 4150 feet).

Online River Guides for Paddleboaters.

• Directory for Paddle Boating on the Susan River. (See section 1.)

Printed Maps and Guidebooks - Susan River whitewater.

• None.

Susan River Boating Stories REQUESTED !!

Contact me to submit your Susan River trip report. I welcome whitewater boating trip stories, pictures & videos from guest authors. I am interested to post or link to your trip reports.

Whitewater River Recreation & Environment.

• Susan River Valley Recreation and Conservation Directory. Web sites for the Susan River valley. Set display options - alphabetical 100. Section 1=kayaking-canoeing, 2=rafting-tubing, 3=environment-conservation, 4=fishing, 5=hiking-camping, 6=other-resources)

More about:
• Rivers & creeks nearby: Pit River, Feather River, Truckee River.
• Great Basin Paddleboating Guides for California-Nevada Rivers.
• Statewide Paddleboating Guides for California Whitewater Rivers - Rafting, Rowing, Canoeing, Tubing and Kayaking.
• California River Maps and Road Maps - Atlas and Gazetteer by Delorme, 2008.

Tags: kayaking, rafting, canoeing, river map.
Tags: Susan River, California, Lassen County, whitewater, paddle boating, river.

Labels: guide

Kayaking, Rafting, and Canoeing Paddlesport - Monterey County.

Little Sur River Whitewater Boating Runs - put-ins and other landmark locations.

1. Little Sur River, Pico Blanco BSC to Hwy.1, class III-IV, 7 Miles (preliminary information).

Real-time Flow - Little Sur River whitewater.

No gauge is available on the Little Sur River. Estimate the flow using the gauge on the nearby Big Sur River.

River Map - access locations for Little Sur River paddle boating.

• The map is interactive. Click and drag to reposition map. Map user FAQ.
• Use the tool on the left to zoom in and out. Point on the red markers to see their names.
• Map button = road map. Terrain = 3D shaded topo map. Topo = topographic map.
• Full-Screen River Map: Little Sur River access locations .



Geographic coordinates - Landmark name (marker on map above)
1. Little Sur River, Pico Blanco BSC to Hwy.1, class III-IV, 7 Miles (preliminary information).
N 36.33227 W 121.79757 - Pico Blanco BSC put-in (A)
N 36.33255 W 121.88541 - Hwy 1 take-out (B)

Driving Directions, Map, Distance, Estimated Time & Road Conditions.

Mapquest provides directions, distance & time from your house to the river.
• From Davis, CA to Big Sur, CA - driving time 3 hrs 34 mins - 200 miles.

California Road Conditions (Delays or closures due to weather, construction, etc.)
• California Travel Information - highwayconditions.com.
• Road Conditions - California Dept Transportation.

Local weather in Big Sur, CA (elevation 2200 feet).

Online River Guides for Paddleboaters.

• Directory for Paddle Boating on the Little Sur River. (See section 1.)

Printed Maps and Guidebooks - Little Sur River whitewater.

• None.

Little Sur River Boating Stories REQUESTED !!

Contact me to submit your Little Sur River trip report. I welcome whitewater boating trip stories, pictures & videos from guest authors. I am interested to post or link to your trip reports.

Whitewater River Recreation & Environment.

• Little Sur River Valley Conservation & Recreation Directory. Web sites for the Little Sur River watershed. Set display options - alphabetical 100. Section 1=kayaking-canoeing, 2=rafting-tubing, 3=environment-conservation, 4=fishing, 5=hiking-camping, 6=other-resources)

More about:
• Rivers & creeks nearby: Carmel River, Big Sur River.
• South Coast Paddleboating Guides for California Rivers.
• Kayaking, Rafting and Canoeing Paddlesport Guides for California Whitewater Rivers.
• California Road Maps and River Maps - Atlas and Gazetteer by Delorme, 2008.

Tags: kayaking, rafting, canoeing, river map.
Tags: Little Sur River, California, Monterey County, whitewater, paddle boating, river.

Labels: guide

Kayaking, Rafting, and Canoeing Paddlesport - Riverside County, San Diego County.

Santa Margarita River Whitewater Boating Runs - put-ins and other landmark locations.

1. Santa Margarita River, Temecula to Fallbrook, class IV/V, 9 Miles.

Real-time Flow - Santa Margarita River whitewater.

• USGS Real-Time Flow Data for Santa Margarita River nr Temecula CA. B)

• USGS Real-Time Flow Data for Santa Margarita River nr Fallbrook CA. D)

River Map - access locations for Santa Margarita River paddle boating.

• The map is interactive. Click and drag to reposition map. Map user FAQ.
• Use the tool on the left to zoom in and out. Point on the red markers to see their names.
• Map button = road map. Terrain = 3D shaded topo map. Topo = topographic map.
• Full-Screen River Map: Santa Margarita River access and flow gauge locations .



Geographic coordinates - Landmark name (marker on map above)
1. Santa Margarita River, Temecula to Fallbrook, class IV/V, 9 Miles.
N 33.48014 W 117.14378 - Put-in nr Temecula (A)
N 33.47384 W 117.14172 - Gauge nr Temecula (B)
N 33.42915 W 117.19597 - Alternate put-in ?? (C) Bottom section easier than the upper ??
N 33.41368 W 117.24060 - Gauge nr Fallbrook (D)
N 33.39877 W 117.26326 - Take-out nr Fallbrook (E)

Driving Directions, Map, Distance, Estimated Time & Road Conditions.

Mapquest provides directions, distance & time from your house to the river.
• From Davis, CA to Temecula, CA - driving time 7 hrs 30 mins - 480 miles.

California Road Conditions (Delays or closures due to weather, construction, etc.)
• California Travel Information - highwayconditions.com.
• Road Conditions - California Dept Transportation.

Local weather in Temecula, CA (elevation 1330 feet).

Online River Guides and River Flow Data for Paddleboating.

• Directory for Paddle Boating on the Santa Margarita River. (See section 1.)

Printed Maps and Guidebooks - Santa Margarita River whitewater.

• None.

Santa Margarita River Boating Stories REQUESTED !!

Contact me to submit your Santa Margarita River trip report. I welcome whitewater boating trip stories, pictures & videos from guest authors. I am interested to post or link to your trip reports.

Whitewater River Recreation & Environment.

• Santa Margarita River Valley Conservation & Recreation Directory. Web sites for the Santa Margarita River valley. Set display options - alphabetical 100. Section 1=kayaking-canoeing, 2=rafting-tubing, 3=environment-conservation, 4=fishing, 5=hiking-camping, 6=other-resources)

More about:
• Rivers & creeks nearby: San Gabriel River, (Santa Clara River, Piru Creek, Sespe Creek).
• South Coast Paddleboating Guides for California Rivers.
• Kayaking, Rafting and Canoeing Paddlesport Guides for California Whitewater Rivers.
• California Road Maps and River Maps - Atlas and Gazetteer by Delorme, 2008.

IceRocket Tags: socal, Southern California, kayaking, river map.
Tags: Santa Margarita River, California, Riverside County, San Diego County, rafting, canoeing, whitewater, kayaking, paddle boating, river.

Labels: guide

River Guide & Map for Canoeing, Rowing, Kayaking, Tubing and Rafting.

From Weitchpec the Klamath River runs north-west to the Pacific Ocean, providing 40 miles of river with a year-round flow for class I/II paddle boating. This section of river is mostly class I flatwater. A few wavetrains rise to the level of class II whitewater, but flatwater boaters can typically find class I routes to paddle around these big waves if necessary.

Boating Runs on lower Klamath River - Humboldt County, Del Norte County.

Run name (whitewater class, mileage).
1. Weitchpec to Cappell Creek (class I/II, 9.5 miles)
2. Cappell Creek to Pecwan Creek (class I/II, 9 miles)
3. Pecwan Creek to Requa (class I/II, 23 miles)

Real-time Flow - lower Klamath River.

When planning your trip use the gauge that is closest to the section of river that you will paddle.



• USGS Real-Time Flow Data for Klamath River at Orleans. (A)

• USGS Real-Time Flow Data for Klamath River nr Klamath CA. (E)

River Map showing access locations for Klamath River paddle boating.

• Map user FAQ. The map is interactive. Click and drag to reposition map.
• Use the tool on the left to zoom in and out. Point on the red markers to see their names.
• Map button = road map. Terrain = 3D shaded topo map. Topo = topographic map.
• Full-Screen River Map: Lower Klamath River put-in & take-out locations.



Geographic coordinates - Landmark name (marker on map above)
N 41.30257 W 123.53577 - Orleans gauge (A)
N 41.18664 W 123.70468 - Weitchpec (B)
N 41.28145 W 123.82300 - Cappell Creek (C)
N 41.34402 W 123.85617 - Pecwan Creek (D)
N 41.51269 W 123.98071 - Klamath CA gauge (E)
N 41.54530 W 124.07122 - Requa (F)
Many alternate put-in and take-out locations are available to enable flatwater boating trips of various distances.

Driving Directions, Distance, Estimated Time & Road Conditions.

Mapquest provides directions, distance & time from your house to the river.
• From Davis, CA to Weitchpec, CA - driving time 5 hrs 8 mins - 280.88 miles.

California Road Conditions (Delays or closures due to weather, construction, etc.)
• California Travel Information - highwayconditions.com.
• Road Conditions - California Dept Transportation.

Nearby weather in Crescent City, California (elevation 55 feet).

Online Boating Information - lower Klamath River.

• Klamath River Lower Runs Paddleboating. (Set display options - alphabetical 100. See sections 1 and 2.)

Paddleboating Guidebooks - lower Klamath River.

• Ann Dwyer's Easy Waters of California North, 2000. (pg. 124-139, Cal/Oregon border to Ocean)
• West Coast River Touring - Rogue River Canyon and South, 1974. (pg. 74-90, Iron Gate to Ocean)
• Down the Wild Rivers- A Guide to the Streams of California, 1972. (pg.54-72, Interstate 5 to Ocean)

Lower Klamath River Trip Reports NEEDED !!

Contact me to submit your paddleboating trip report from the Lower Klamath River. I'm happy to post or link to well-written, whitewater boating trip reports from guest authors, especially if boating pictures and/or videos are included.

Klamath River Conservation and Recreation.

• Klamath River Lower - Conservation and Recreation Directory. (Section 1=kayaking, 2=rafting, 3=conservation, 4=fishing, 5=camping-hiking, 6=local-info) Klamath River valley outdoor activities websites.

Float Tubing - River Tubing - Innertubing.

• Float Tube, Innertube, Tubing Techniques, Skills and Safety for your River Trips.
• Equipment for Float Tubing River Trips - BRT Insights.

More information:
• Klamath River Paddle Boating Guide Overview. Includes more whitewater runs upstream.
• Whitewater & Flatwater River Guides for rafting, canoeing, kayaking, and tubing in California.
• California River Maps & Road Maps - Atlas & Gazetteer by Delorme, 2008.

IceRocket Tags: whitewater, river map, kayaking, canoeing, rafting, river tubing, float tube.
Tags: paddle boating, river, valley, Klamath River, Humboldt County, Del Norte County, California.

Labels: guide

Canoeing, Rafting, Innertubing & Kayaking Paddlesport - Los Angeles County.

San Gabriel River Whitewater Boating Runs - put-ins and other landmark locations.

1 San Gabriel River WF, Second Bridge to San Gabriel Reservoir, class IV, 2.5 miles.
2. San Gabriel River EF, Eldoraville Camp to Reservoir, class III/IV, 4 Miles.
3. San Gabriel River, Morris Dam to Foothill Blvd, class II ??, 5.5 Miles.

Real-time Flow - San Gabriel River whitewater.

Flow gauges are on the map. Does anybody know how to find the data from the gauges online?

River Map - access locations for San Gabriel River paddle boating.

• Map user FAQ. The map is interactive. Click and drag to reposition map.
• Use the tool on the left to zoom in and out. Point on the red markers to see their names.
• Map button = road map. Terrain = 3D shaded topo map. Topo = topographic map.
• Full-Screen River Map: San Gabriel River access and flow gauge locations .



Geographic coordinates - Landmark name (marker on map above)
-- San Gabriel River. --
1 San Gabriel River WF, Second Bridge to San Gabriel Reservoir, class IV, 2.5 miles.
N 34.24026 W 117.89351 - Second bridge put-in (A)
N 34.24140 W 117.86330 - Gauge - can we find the data online? (B)
N 34.23976 W 117.85704 - San Gabriel Reservoir take-out (C)

2. San Gabriel River EF, Eldoraville Camp to Reservoir, class III/IV, 4 Miles.
N 34.22944 W 117.77189 - Eldoraville Camp (D)
N 34.23583 W 117.80653 - Gauge - can we find the data online? (E)
N 34.23811 W 117.82060 - Fire Camp bridge (F)

3. San Gabriel River, Morris Dam to Foothill Blvd, class II ??, 5.5 Miles.
N 34.17204 W 117.88605 - Morris Dam put-in (G)
N 34.13717 W 117.94304 - Foothill Blvd take-out (H) Gauge - can we find the data online?

Driving Directions, Map, Distance, Estimated Time & Road Conditions.

Mapquest provides directions, distance & time from your house to the river.
• From Davis, CA to Azusa, CA - driving time 6 hrs 22 mins - 411 miles.

California Road Conditions (Delays or closures due to weather, construction, etc.)
• California Travel Information - highwayconditions.com.
• Road Conditions - California Dept Transportation.

Local weather in Azusa, CA (elevation 841 feet).

Online River Guides & River Flow Data for Paddleboating.

• Directory for Paddle Boating on the San Gabriel River. (See section 1.)

Printed Guidebooks & Maps - San Gabriel River whitewater.

• None.

San Gabriel River Boating Stories REQUESTED !!

Contact me to submit your San Gabriel River trip report. I welcome whitewater boating trip stories, pictures & videos from guest authors. I will post or link to your trip reports.
• Kayaking the West Fork of the San Gabriel River video - surfnturf57 13feb2010.
• West Fork San Gabriel River Part I video - surfnturf57 05mar2010.

Whitewater River Recreation & Environment.

• San Gabriel River Valley Conservation & Recreation Directory. Websites for the San Gabriel River watershed. Set display options - alphabetical 100. Section 1=kayaking-canoeing, 2=rafting-tubing, 3=environment-conservation, 4=fishing, 5=hiking-camping, 6=other-resources)

More about:
• Rivers & creeks nearby: Santa Ynez River, (Santa Clara River, Piru Creek, Sespe Creek).
• Central & South Coast Paddleboating Guides for California Rivers.
• Canoeing, Kayaking & Rafting Paddlesport Guides for California Whitewater Rivers.
• How to use these whitewater river kayaking and rafting guides - BRT Insights.

IceRocket Tags: kayaking, socal, Southern California, river map, river tubing, float tube.
Tags: San Gabriel River, California, Los Angeles County, rafting, canoeing, whitewater, kayaking, paddle boating, river.

Labels: guide

Canoeing, Kayaking, Rafting and Innertubing Paddlesport - Sonoma County.

The lower Russian River gets fast, high flows in the winter/spring rainy season. Most boating on this section of river is done in the summer when the river has a calm, gentle flow of flatwater.

Russian River Watershed Flatwater Boating Runs.

• Russian River, Cloverdale to Pacific Ocean, class 1, 62 miles.
• Mark West Creek Lower Run, class I ??, ~12 miles.
• Austin Creek Run, class I+, 7.5 miles.

Real-time Flow - Lower Russian River flatwater.

Use the flow gauge that is closest to the section of river that you plan to paddle. See red location markers on map below.



• Russian River gauge nr Cloverdale - USGS Real-Time Water Flow Data (A)
• Russian River gauge nr Healdsburg - USGS Real-Time Water Flow Data (E)
• Russian River gauge nr Guerneville - USGS Real-Time Water Flow Data (H)

• Austin Creek gauge nr Cazadero - USGS Real-Time Water Flow Data (N)

River Map - access locations for lower Russian River paddle boating.

• Map user FAQ. The map is interactive. Click and drag to reposition map.
• Use the tool on the left to zoom in and out. Point on the red markers to see their names.
• Map button = road map. Terrain = 3D shaded topo map. Topo = topographic map.
• Full-Screen River Map: lower Russian River access and flow gauge locations .



Geographic coordinates - Landmark name (marker on map above)
--- Russian River ---
1. Cloverdale to Asti Run, class I, 6 miles.
N 38.88215 W 123.05518 - Russian River gauge nr Cloverdale (A)
N 38.80898 W 123.00789 - Cloverdale put-in (B)
N 38.76335 W 122.96868 - Asti take-out (C)

2. Asti to Alexander Valley Rd Run, class I, 10.5 miles.
N 38.76335 W 122.96868 - Asti put-in (C)
N 38.65871 W 122.82964 - Alexander Valley Rd take-out (D)

3. Alexander Valley Rd to Healdsburg Run, class I, 14.6 miles.
N 38.65871 W 122.82964 - Alexander Valley Rd put-in (D)
N 38.61327 W 122.83633 - Russian River gauge nr Healdsburg (E)
N 38.60118 W 122.85929 - Healdsburg take-out (F)

4. Healdsburg to Mirabel Pk Run, class I, 10.1 miles.
N 38.60118 W 122.85929 - Healdsburg put-in (F)
N 38.49407 W 122.89526 - Mirabel Pk take-out (G)

5. Mirabel Pk to Guerneville Run, class I, 8.6 miles.
N 38.49407 W 122.89526 - Mirabel Pk put-in (G)
N 38.50847 W 122.92770 - Russian River gauge nr Guerneville (H)
N 38.51110 W 122.98388 - Guerneville take-out (I)

6. Guerneville to Austin Ck Run, class 1, 6.7 miles.
N 38.51110 W 122.98388 - Guerneville put-in (I)
N 38.46078 W 123.05271 - Austin Ck take-out (J)

7. Austin Ck to Willow Ck Run, class 1, ~5 miles.
N 38.46078 W 123.05271 - Austin Ck put-in (J)
N 38.44004 W 123.09601- Willow Ck take-out (K)

--- Russian River Tributaries runnable in the rainy season ---
8. Mark West Creek Lower Run, class ??, ~12 miles.
N 38.50551 W 122.72964 - put-in (L) ??
N 38.49407 W 122.89526 - Mirabel Pk take-out (G) ??

9. Austin Creek Run, class I+, 7.5 miles.
N 38.54333 W 123.08807 - put-in (M)
N 38.50667 W 123.06863 - Austin Creek gauge nr Cazadero (N)
N 38.47133 W 123.04619 - take-out (O)

Driving Directions, Map, Distance, Estimated Time & Road Conditions.

Mapquest provides directions, distance & time from your house to the river.
• From Davis, CA to Guerneville, CA - driving time 2 hrs - 108 miles.

California Road Conditions (Delays or closures due to weather, construction, etc.)
• California Travel Information - highwayconditions.com.
• Road Conditions - California Dept Transportation.

Local weather in Guerneville, California (elevation 55 feet).

Online River Guides & River Flow Data for Paddleboating.

• Directory for Paddle Boating on the Russian River. (See section 1.)

Printed Guidebooks & Maps - Russian River flatwater.

• Ann Dwyer's Easy Waters of California North, 2000. (pg. 68-81, Cloverdale to ocean, Austin Creek)
• West Coast River Touring - Rogue River Canyon and South, 1974. (pg. 173-182, Cloverdale to Austin Ck confluence)
• Down the Wild Rivers- A Guide to the Streams of California, 1972. (pg. 200-205, Cloverdale to ocean)

Russian River Boating Stories REQUESTED !!

Contact me to send in your Russian River trip report. I appreciate paddleboating trip stories, pictures & videos from guest authors. I am interested to post or link to your trip reports.
• Just around the Riverbend…Again! - dollybeast 19june2011
• Russian River Canoeing - Tyrrell's Site Oct. 2010.
• Russian River Kayaking photos - gaylainberkeley 25july2010
• Ridiculously Rad Russian River Rafting - dollybeast june2010
• Wine by Canoe? - Left Coast Wanders 25feb2010.
• Google Image Search - Russian River California (kayaking OR canoeing OR rafting OR tubing).
• See older trip reports: Russian River Boating Overview.

Russian River Canoeing & Kayaking Videos.

• Rock Diving - Russian River Canoe trip‬‏ - mashimomo 31may2011
• Russian River Canoe & Kayak video - kaisergecko 06aug2010.
• Kayaking along the Russian River‬‏ - elementsaustincreek 08june2010
• Google Videos - Russian River" (kayaking OR canoeing OR rafting).
• YouTube - Russian River" (kayaking OR canoeing OR rafting).
• See older videos: Russian River Boating Overview.

Flatwater River Recreation & Environment.

• Russian River Watershed Recreation and Conservation Directory. Websites for the Russian River valley. Set display options - alphabetical 100. Section 1=kayaking-canoeing, 2=rafting-tubing, 3=environment-conservation, 4=fishing, 5=hiking-camping, 6=other-resources)

More about:
• Rivers nearby: Gualala River, Eel River, Petaluma River.
• North Coast California River Guides for Paddleboating.
• Canoeing, Kayaking & Rafting Paddlesport Guides for California Whitewater Rivers.
• Use of this guide for river kayaking and rafting - BRT Insights.

IceRocket Tags: kayaking, river map, river tubing, float tube.
Tags: flatwater, Russian River, Mark West Creek, Austin Creek, California, Sonoma County, rafting, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boating, river.

Labels: guide

Canoeing, Rafting, Innertubing & Kayaking Paddlesport - Mendocino County & Sonoma County.

Whitewater on the upper Russian River runs in the winter/spring rainy season, excepting the EF Russian River which also runs in summer due to a diversion from the Eel River.

Russian River Whitewater Boating Runs - put-ins and other landmark locations.

1. Russian River EF, class III, 2.6 miles. (flows in the summer due to Eel River water diversions)(beware of the mandatory portage just upstream from the put-in)
2. Coyote Dam to Talmage Run, class II, 4.5 miles.
3. Talmage to Hopland Run, class I+, 14.5 miles.
4. Hopland to Pieta Creek Run, class I-II, 5 miles.
5. Pieta Creek to Cloverdale, class II-III, 11 miles. (Squaw Rock Run)
6. Mark West Creek Upper Run, class III-V, 4 miles.

Real-time Flow - Upper Russian River whitewater.

Flows can vary dramatically in different segments of the river depending upon diversions and local patterns of recent rainfall. Use the flow gauge that is closest to the section of river that you plan to paddle. See red location markers on map below.



• EF Russian River nr Calpella - USGS Real-Time Water Flow Data. inflow to Lake Mendocino (B)
• EF Russian River nr Ukiah - USGS Real-Time Water Flow Data. outflow from Lake Mendocino(D)
• Russian River nr Ukiah - USGS Real-Time Water Flow Data. above confluence with EF Russian R (C)
• Russian River nr Talmage - USGS Real-Time Water Flow Data. (F)
• Russian River nr Hopland - USGS Real-Time Water Flow Data. (G)
• Russian River nr Cloverdale - USGS Real-Time Water Flow Data. (J)

River Map - access locations for upper Russian River paddle boating.

• Map user FAQ. The map is interactive. Click and drag to reposition map.
• Use the tool on the left to zoom in and out. Point on the red markers to see their names.
• Map button = road map. Terrain = 3D shaded topo map. Topo = topographic map.
• Full-Screen River Map: Russian River access and flow gauge locations .



Geographic coordinates - Landmark name (marker on map above)
--- EF Russian River. ---
1. Russian River EF, class III, 2.6 miles. (flows in the summer due to Eel River water diversions)
N 39.26077 W 123.11215 - put-in (A)
N 39.24439 W 123.13363 - gauge inflow to Lake Mendocino (B)
N 39.23671 W 123.15176 - take-out.

--- Russian River - Main. ---
2. Coyote Dam to Talmage Run, class II, 4.5 miles.
N 39.20190 W 123.19955 - Russian R gauge nr Ukiah (C)
N 39.19114 W 123.17178 - put-in gauge outflow from Lake Mendocino (D)
N 39.13459 W 123.18661 - Talmage take-out (E)

3. Talmage to Hopland Run, class I+, 14.5 miles.
N 39.13459 W 123.18661 - Talmage put-in (E)
N 39.11305 W 123.18193 - Russian R gauge nr Talmage (F)
N 39.02677 W 123.13077 - Russian R gauge nr Hopland (G)
N 38.97144 W 123.10663 - Hopland take-out (H)

4. Hopland to Pieta Creek Run, class I-II, 5 miles.
N 38.97144 W 123.10663 - Hopland put-in (H)
N 38.92323 W 123.05756 - Pieta Creek take-out (I)

5. Pieta Creek to Cloverdale, class II-III, 11 miles. (Squaw Rock Run)
N 38.92323 W 123.05756 - Pieta Creek put-in (I)
N 38.88215 W 123.05518 - Russian R gauge nr Cloverdale (J)
N 38.80898 W 123.00789 - Cloverdale take-out (K)

--- Mark West Creek - Russian River Tributary. ---
6. Mark West Creek Upper Run, class III-V, 4 miles.
N 38.54964 W 122.72038 - put-in (L)
N 38.50551 W 122.72964 - take-out.

Driving Directions, Map, Distance, Estimated Time & Road Conditions.

Mapquest provides directions, distance & time from your house to the river.
• From Davis, CA to Potter Valley, CA - driving time 2 hrs 37 mins - 123 miles.

California Road Conditions (Delays or closures due to weather, construction, etc.)
• California Travel Information - highwayconditions.com.
• Road Conditions - California Dept Transportation.

Local weather in Potter Valley, California (elevation 917 feet).

Online River Guides & River Flow Data for Paddleboating.

• Directory for Paddle Boating on the Russian River. (See section 1.)

Printed Guidebooks & Maps - Russian River whitewater.

• Guidebook - Ann Dwyer's Easy Waters of California North, 2000. (pg. 68-81, Coyote to Talmage, Pieta Ck to Cloverdale)
• Guidebook - Best Whitewater in California, Third Edition 1998. (pg 4-11, Pieta to Cloverdale, Mark West Ck)
• Guidebook - West Coast River Touring - Rogue River Canyon and South, 1974. (pg. 173-182, EF Russian, Coyote to Cloverdale)
• Guidebook - California Whitewater - A Guide to the Rivers, Third Edition 1995. (pg.146-150, Pieta Ck to Cloverdale)

Russian River Boating Stories REQUESTED !!

Contact me to submit your Russian River trip report. I welcome whitewater boating trip stories, pictures & videos from guest authors. I will post or link to your trip reports.
• East Fork of the Russian River photos - liquidfusionkayaking 29april2010.
• Russian River, Squaw Rock, 500 CFS photos - Loma Prieta Paddlers 16oct2009.
• Kayaking on the East Fork of the Russian River - Thinking Out Loud 05mar2006.

Whitewater River Recreation & Environment.

• Russian River Valley Conservation & Recreation Directory. Websites for the Russian River watershed. Set display options - alphabetical 100. Section 1=kayaking-canoeing, 2=oarboating-rafting, 3=environment-conservation, 4=fishing, 5=hiking-camping, 6=other-resources)

More about:
• Rivers & creeks nearby: Gualala River, Eel River, Cache Creek.
• North Coast California River Guides for Paddleboating.
• Canoeing, Kayaking & Rafting Paddlesport Guides for California Whitewater Rivers.
• How to use these whitewater river kayaking and rafting guides - BRT Insights.

IceRocket Tags: kayaking, river map, river tubing, float tube.
Tags: Russian River, California, Mendocino County, Sonoma County, rafting, canoeing, whitewater, kayaking, paddle boating, river.

Labels: guide

Local landowners are trying to shut down public access to Cache Creek at Rumsey Bridge. To help insure continued public access in the future we need to document the longest possible history of past use of Rumsey Bridge to access Cache Creek. Letters are especially needed from old time boaters who have used Rumsey Bridge for creek access more than 10 years ago. Rumsey Bridge can be used as a take-out for the whitewater runs upstream, or a put-in for the flatwater Rumsey to Guinda Run.

Searching for old time boaters who have used Rumsey Bridge river access in past decades - guest author Shawn O'Brien.

---

Fellow Paddlers and Friends,

My name is Shawn O'Brien, residing in Ukiah, Ca. I have written a letter concerning access issues at Rumsey Bridge. I was hoping you might consider sharing this letter with the paddle folks you know. I have already sent this to Post. Thanks In advance for any consideration on this.

I have been working for the last year writing letters, talking to local folks, extracting information from Yolo County Maintenance and Yolo County Legal Counsel and gathering legal advice from (NORS) the National Organization of Rivers (Eric Leaper). The issue is access to Cache Creek at Rumsey Bridge on County Road 41.

Since January 2010, the landowners on each side of the road have piled huge amounts of debris right up to the edge of the bridge on the east side, making boat access impossible. They have blocked access with up-rooted fruit trees, huge stumps, wire fences and anything else they could find. I can look over the bridge on both sides and see well worn paths.

Jim Campbell from Yolo County Maintenance reports “the width of the public right of way along County Road 41 is 40 feet. The width of the bridge at the eastern end of the abutment flare is approximately 34 feet. The County has not issued any encroachment permits for fencing within the right of way.”

Eric Leaper from NORS says “the courts have confirmed the public right to get from road bridges down to rivers. The different feet of width vary from place to place, but the overall requirement is a usable public path from the road down to the river.” In this case it is 6 feet.

Philip Pogledich, Legal Counsel to Yolo County has suggested that “the legal issues are not as straight forward as Mr. Leaper indicates.” He continues to say “It is possible that if the use of this access point does not go back at least 20-30 years, there is no public right of access.”

I have in my possession 5 books that list Rumsey Bridge as a put-in or take-out point. One of those books is copyrighted in 1968, two of those books are copyrighted in 1973, another in 1974, and another in 1997. I can provide all the book names and authors to Philip Pogledich. One of these books (1968) actually shows a picture of tandem canoers floating to the Rumsey Bridge take-out.

This is where I need help: my use of the Rumsey Bridge access dates back only 10 years and apparently, this is not long enough. I need personal testimonies, regarding historic use of this access point by the boaters, anglers, swimmers etc. that used Rumsey Bridge for recreational purposes 20-30 years ago. It is one thing for the river guide books to suggest access and another that boaters actually walked the path to the river. I am asking anyone (please), who personally floated Cache Creek and used Rumsey Bridge twenty to thirty to forty years ago to write a brief, signed statement indicating how long ago and even how often they used this access point. Feel free to write longer detailed accounts.

If you feel compelled to help I would greatly appreciate it. Rumsey Bridge is to be replaced within the next 5 years. If the bridge is widened, the 6 foot public easement may be history. If long term usage is proven now, public access may be reinstated.

If you can help, please mail to: Shawn O’Brien, 1031 Maple Avenue, Ukiah, Ca. 95482

I will hand deliver these to Philip Pogledich, Legal Counsel to Yolo County.

If you require more information or can assist in any way, feel free to contact me at: fitnessonthemove@pacific.net

Thank You & Good Boating, Shawn O’Brien

---

For more information:
• West Coast River Touring - Rogue River Canyon and South, 1974. (pg. 197-201, book describes Cache Creek boating, including access at Rumsey Bridge)
• Cache Creek Wild and Scenic - Whitewater Paddleboating Overview.
• Securing paddleboater's legal rights to whitewater river kayaking, rafting and canoeing in California and Nevada.

Tags: Cache Creek, river access, Yolo County, California, river map, whitewater, kayaking, rafting, canoeing, paddlesports, paddle boating, river, wild and scenic, Capay Valley.

Labels: guide