BODY SLAM (IV)  There is a technical entrance to this rapid, especially at low water flows. 20% Discount for Groups of 12 or More! With an average gradient of 70 feet per mile, the rapids come quickly on this river! This is a staircase-like rapid in which the first drop is followed by a steep ramp and a large hole. The North Stan is one of the […] However, the choice of routes varies depending on the river’s flow. There are consistent Class II+ rapids until you reach the end of your North Fork of the Stanislaus whitewater rafting experience in Calaveras Big Trees State Park. Commercially, trips run from Sourgrass (close to Dorrington) to At an elevation of 4,000 feet in the Sierra Mountains, the North Fork of the Stanislaus River is concealed among the granite cliffs and magnificent redwoods of Calaveras Big Trees State Parkand Stanislaus National Forest. Please note that this map is not intended to provide a complete list of river hazards. Intermediate-Advanced level; Steep, narrow Class IV rapids all day long, with two Class IV+ drops at the end; 5 intense miles; Lunch included; Meet Place: Arnold, CA; Usual minimum age: 15; Learn more; Last minute reservations and some discounts are not available online, requiring reserving by phone: (800) 247-2387. The North Fork of the Stanislaus runs through the heart of Calaveras Big Trees State Park. North Fork Stanislaus River. The river takes you past high alpine scenery, including a … This rapid is broken up into the upper, middle, and lower section, all of which would be class IV rapids alone. If you are a non-experienced rafter looking to get your feet wet, there are plenty of commercial operations that can help you get started on the North Fork. Hot/cold drinks and a return shuttle to your vehicle await at the take-out of your OARS North Fork Stan River rafting trip. South Fork/North Fork American River Rafting; Photos & Videos . Note: Even an “easier” trip can become “challenging”due to weather, water level, or your personal choice of boat and/or hiking options. [160] GPS COORDINATES: 38.278723, -120.308098 (Intermittent GPS/cellular service in area). With an overall gradient of 77 feet per mile at a beginning elevation just below the 4,000 ft mark, the North Stan is more like rafting a high mountain creek then the more commonly rafted rivers of the foothills. Save 25% on this adventure when you book online by February 28th using promo code: CTA2125. Boaters may paddle a five-mile, Class IV stretch of the river between Sourgrass, near Dorrington, and Calaveras Big Trees State Park, just east of Arnold. A veritable insta-epic the North Fork of the Stanislaus River boasts some of the most technical Class IV whitewater rafting in California. For hard-working paddlers with a taste for thrills, chills and spills—rafting the North Fork Stanislaus River in Northern California is a slice of wild whitewater heaven. The North Fork of the Stanislaus River runs in the Sierra Nevadas, and in doing so presents a very different kind of run than the Lower Stanislaus does. The entrance to the rapid begins on river right. The in-house web development team at All-Outdoors California Whitewater Rafting has created this website to serve as an educational and informational resource for guests, guides and the general whitewater rafting community. North Fork American River Rafting "The North Fork American is the most difficult of the three Forks. Whitewater Rafting Reviews for the North Fork Stanislaus ... Our river specialists are available to help by email, phone or live chat. Aggressive paddling required through rapids like Dig Dog, Whiteout, Rattlesnake & Big Trees Falls, Your trip concludes in Calaveras Big Trees State Park - home to 2 groves of giant sequoias, $8 per person per day federal, state and local access fees, Wetsuits required on all early-season trips, 1, 2 or 3 Days from $299 | Wine trips from $649. In the first mile of rafting you will encounter multiple class III rapids, as well as the class IV Rattlesnake rapid. North Fork The North Fork of the Stanislaus River runs in the Sierra Nevadas, and in doing so presents a very different kind of run than the Lower Stanislaus does. “I have taken many guided trips, both rafting and non-rafting. There is a hard left move followed by a hard right move. The North Fork of the Stanislaus, like the other upper sections, are home to rainbow and brown trout. Multiple Stanislaus River rafting trips exist that range from mild to wild, and the park system on the Stanislaus has created portals for river kayaking, hiking, fishing, and camping for the public. The North Fork of the Stanislaus River, or the “North Stan,” is an under-appreciated gem for rafting and kayaking. Door #1 is the most fun with a 5-foot “spout” waterfall. from All-Outdoors Whitewater Rafting Plus . The North Stanislaus River flows only during a short period in the springtime, usually in late April and May. © 1969 - 2020 OARS Companies Inc. All rights reserved. OARS is an equal opportunity provider. www.Stanislaus-Rivers.com also provides information about camping, and permit requirements for the North Fork of the Stanislaus river. In California, where we operate along the Klamath, American, Tuolumne, Stanislaus and Merced Rivers, we acknowledge the territories of the Shasta, Yokuts, Nisenan, Karuk and various bands of the Sierra Me-wuk/Miwok tribes. The North Fork Stan trip was the best one-day trip I have ever experienced. Go over the top and you get “Body Slammed.”. The main fork of the Stanislaus River, once the most popular rafting and kayaking run in California, gained notoriety in the late 1970’s and early ’80’s when the extremely controversial New Melones Dam was constructed and buried the Stanislaus River under New Melones Reservoir. After navigating the top there are three ways out of the rapid:  Door #1, #2 or #3. O.A.R.S. In addition, the Camp Nine run reappears when New Melones Lake is low, allowing boaters to run this part of the river, although siltation of the river bed due to reservoir impoundment makes access difficult. THE SLOT (IV) Several routes are possible depending on the river’s flow. 12 years ago. Lower Stanislaus River, winding through the Central Valley and Sierra Foothills, is a fantastic fishing spot. Commercially, trips run from Sourgrass (close to Dorrington) to Caleveras Big Tree State Park, about seven miles downstream. A staircase sequence of drops and chutes that starts right from the beginning of the trip, the Stanislaus is for the more rugged whitewater enthusiast that thrills in tackling complicated runs. After running through some more mild (though still intense) rapids, the trip comes to a conclusion through a series of three class IV rapids named Sequoia Sluice. Your California whitewater rafting trip on the North Fork Stanislaus River starts with Beginner’s Luck rapid. The main Stanislaus River was once the most popular commercial rafting run in California (and probably in the United States). http://www.stanislaus-river.com/nfs-river-map.htm. Calaveras Big Trees State Park, 1170 CA-4, Arnold, CA 95223 Unlike other Class IV Sierra runs, the North Stan is a high elevation run (nearly 5000 feet at put-in), lined by redwood trees and filled with enormous granite boulders. 565 likes. WHITEOUT (IV)  Numerous car sized boulders make it virtually impossible to see the bottom of this rapid. However, the lower half of the run is extremely thrilling with steep, continuous whitewater. Chris (lead guide) did an excellent job, in both guiding my raft and group organization and safety. Although this section was flooded by New Melones Lake in 1983, rafting and kayaking remain popular on sections of the Middle Fork and North Fork, as well as the main stem below Goodwin Dam. The North Fork of the Stanislaus river requires technical whitewater skills to navigate through large hydraulics, tight drops and rive hazards typical of high mountain streams. LOWER SEQUOIA (IV+)  Big boulders make for a technical entrance with a hard move from left to right with a 5-foot “spout” to finish. Take out/end. 551 likes. Water levels are really high, and I wish I could have taken pictures of the churning rapids. North Fork Stanislaus River, Arnold, CA. North Fork Stanislaus Mile-by-Mile Whitewater Rafting Guide The following mile-by-mile river map describes some of the exciting highlights you can expect from this Intermediate-Advanced river trip. O.A.R.S. After it was dammed in the early 80’s, most rafting companies moved their businesses to the South Fork of the American. mile 0 Put in from the convenient parking area on river right downstream of Sourgrass Bridge, avoiding Sourgrass Falls, currently class V or V+ with nasty undercuts at the bottom. This bag is usually available only during the lunch stop. Tim Wernette and Carolyn Brown. rafting. Many of our guests choose to spend an extra day visiting the Park to go hiking on the hundreds of trails it has to offer, and to see the giant sequoias and redwoods in their natural setting. In California, where we operate along the Klamath, American, Tuolumne, Stanislaus and Merced Rivers, we acknowledge the territories of the Shasta, Yokuts, Nisenan, Karuk and various bands of the Sierra Me-wuk/Miwok tribes. Wonderful river and great scenery. The North Fork of the Stanislaus River passes through the Giant Sequoia groves of Calaveras Big Trees State Park in Northern California. BEGINNER’S LUCK (IV-V) Put-in (start)  OARS North Fork Stanislaus Whitewater Rafting trips. It was great!” The second drop is typically run as far left as possible. Granite gorges, meadows of wild azaleas and old Miwok Indian sites slip by one after another, amidst big waves, churning holes and plenty of technically-demanding paddling. North Fork Stanislaus 1-Day. (call for details). Please include good judgement in your packing list. This river is best suited for athletic and adventurous rafters as intense and technical paddling is required. Over the next four miles, Bear Claw, Convulsion, and Wallet Slot will test your ability to move through technical rapids, and will punish those without the proper experience. An approximation of what adventure level (from easier to challenging) you should expect to encounter under typical conditions on this trip. Towering Cliffs and 2000 foot canyon walls spotted with black oaks and varying pines sets the back drop of one of the most beautiful California whitewater rafting river canyons. All-Outdoors California Whitewater Rafting While on the river, you need little other than your river attire. This is the first time since 2011 that the river has been open for rafting… A veritable insta-epic, the North Fork of the Stanislaus River (also known as the “Stan”) starts at 4,000 feet and hurtles six miles, at a 70 feet per mile gradient, down to the feet of some of the most massive trees you’ll ever see—the Giant Sequoia groves of Calaveras Big Trees State Park in Northern California. North Fork Stanislaus River Rafting. Listen to your guide and paddle hard! The North Fork is a technical class IV+ river, meaning that only very experienced crews should attempt this river in a non-commercial fashion. The North Fork Stanislaus River provides outstanding opportunities for experienced whitewater enthusiasts. The river was my type, also.”, “Great guides and company personnel. North Fork Stanislaus River is located 2.5 hours from Sacramento. “The OARS catalog has turned into a coffeetable dream book for adventure junkies.” – T. Edward Nickens. Prior to excessive rainfall in 1997, the action started with Sourgrass Ravine (Class V), however, the North Fork Stan was drastically altered after flooding caused a large landslide. Save 25% when you purchase for yourself or give as a gift Sale ends Sunday, January 31, 2021 Choose from the “River Trip” options listed below or enter any amount here Adjust the quantity you wish to purchase once you add the item to the cart All Trip Fares are per person and subject […] SHOTGUN (III)  There is a technical entrance with a lot of acceleration along a granite slab on the left side of the river. Just came back from whitewater rafting on the North Fork Stanislaus with AO, and I highly recommend it! OARS is proud to be an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service and a permitted outfitter under the National Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management. Eventually the north fork is joined by the middle fork, becoming the main Stanislaus that flows past Camp-9 Powerhouse. At the five mile mark, Macheck’s Mayhem rears its ugly head, and rafters should take care to avoid the rock at the beginning of the rapid so they don’t end up swimming through this extended period of whitewater. The Stanislaus River is a haven for those looking for water recreation in the Central Valley of Northern California. West, Inc. holds Transportation Charter Permits (TCP0022913 - C and TCP0022913 – A) with the California Public Utilities Commission. There is limited space available in a water-resistant bag for additional items, such as rain gear or medication, that you might need during the day (no towels, please). Moving up the hill to the North Fork of the Stanislaus River, rafting is available as well. Beginner’s Luck is often the most challenging rapid of the day. This river boasts some of the most technical Class IV whitewater rafting in California. After the put-in at Sourgrass, the rapids start right away on Beginner’s Luck, a series of 3 drops that can put you in the water early if you are not paying attention. West, Inc. operates on the North Fork of the Stanislaus River as a permitted outfitter under the Stanislaus National Forest. For a brief time during the Spring–when snow is melting in the Sierra–the “North Stan” offers some of the most technical Class IV … There is a collection of rock jumbles on river right. Unlike other Class IV Sierra runs, the North Stan is a high elevation run (nearly 5000 feet at put-in), lined by redwood trees and filled with enormous granite boulders. UPPER SEQUOIA (IV+)  This is an “s-turn” type of rapid. Running a length of nearly 120 miles, the Stanislaus River serves a surprising number of water activities — from white water rafting to rock jumping, from camping and fishing to natural water slides. Numerous lakes and parks along this steep northern fork, all lined with impressive granite rock. Information for this Mile by Mile guide was gathered from the books “California Whitewater,” “A Guide to the Best Whitewater in the State of California” and from a variety of sources on the Internet. Doors #2 and #3 involve a lot of technical maneuvering. North Fork Stanislaus River, Arnold, CA. While the North Fork is stocked at public access areas such as Board’s Crossing and Sourgrass campground (and therefore more fish are caught), to find the bigger catches you need to move away from these heavily frequented areas. Class IV+ rapids; cold water with high flip/swim potential. The North Fork of the Tuolumne enters from river right, and there are campsites here. If you make it through the Sluice, you are through the most difficult part of the run, and the take out at Caleveras Big Tree State Park is right downstream. OARS is a proud member of Adventure Collection, a partnership of the world's premiere adventure travel companies. All of these class IV rapids should be scouted before running. The North Fork of the Stanislaus River boasts some of the most technical Class IV whitewater rafting in California. The Stanislaus River is one of the most popular commercial rafting rivers in California! A well kept secret, the North Fork of the Stanislaus River features exciting Class IV+ rapids in a high elevation alpine scenery and close proximity to groves of Giant Sequoia Redwoods. The North … Rafting on the North Fork Stanislaus River is a top California whitewater adventure In the spring, this High There is a private dirt road and a bridge which crosses the river. Most rivers are rated on a scale of I – VI: from Class I, moving water with riffles and small waves, to Class VI, extreme whitewater not commercially navigable. Sign up today for monthly giveaways, engaging stories & videos, special offers & more! THE PLUNGE (IV)  There is an 8-foot slanting waterfall with a big hole at the bottom on the left side of the river. Do NOT Bring North Fork Stanislaus River is located 2.5 hours from Sacramento. The gently sloping hills, deep green woodlands, rocky gorges and early-season wildflowers deliver an American River rafting trip that serves as an ideal training ground for rafters moving up … It is only runnable in the springtime when the snow melts and the river rises, since the upstream dam rarely releases water during daylight hours. The 5-mile class IV+ run that begins in Caleveras Big Trees State Park runs daily from April through June, and is geared toward those looking for a thrill. Use code "stanislaus" when booking your Knights Ferry trip here to get $3 off per person. Because of its steep gradient and narrow channel,the North Fork of the Stanislaus can be navigated by raft at flows from 350 cfs to approximately 3, 000 cfs. This website was designed to provide information about The North Stanislaus River flows only during a short period in the springtime, usually in late April and May. We respect and recognize that many of the river canyons, national forests, BLM and state lands, as well as national parks where we operate are the ancestral homes of many indigenous communities. The Stanislaus is arguably the most unusual whitewater rafting river of the Central Sierra Nevada. SURF LEDGES (III)  There are consistent re-circulating holes that are great for surfing. BIG TREES FALLS (IV)  Line up on the right then enjoy the ride of this 12-foot slanting chute. Found upstream on the tributary is the site of an old bridge, which once linked Tuolumne City with the Mohican Trail. There is a hidden line on the left bank that is really fun. Board’s Crossing. If you or your group are interested in learning more about the North Fork you can visit (http://www.stanislaus-river.com/nfs-river-map.htm) or call All-Outdoors at 1-800-24-RAFTS. The other guides were also very good. Reviews . You will make a hard push to the left to avoid a 6-foot wide by 6-foot high pour-over. BEAR CLAW (III+)  “Chunky” run in the main current with a few “pin” rocks. Scout river left here before running this class IV rapid. The North Fork of Stanislaus River starts up at Highland Creek (below Highland Lakes) and parallels the Ebbetts Pass pavement westward down the mountain. Essential Eligibility Criteria for River Trips, Essential Eligibility Criteria for Sea Kayaking Trips, Essential Eligibility Criteria for Hiking Trips, The Best Rafting Near San Francisco for Every Adventure Level, Merced River Rafting Near Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne River Rafting Near Yosemite National Park, Rafting on the North Fork Stanislaus River is a top California whitewater adventure, In the spring, this High Sierra river offers six miles of virtually non-stop Class IV+ rafting through a scenic canyon. THE THING or CONVULSION (IV+) The “thing”, found in the middle of the river, is a spouting rock that resembles a rooster tail. At Rattlesnake a large horn rapid in the center turns the rapid into an S-rapid, and a submerged rock to river left is routinely crashed into by unsuspecting rafters. ( IV+ ) this is a collection of rock jumbles on river right to avoid 6-foot! Great! ” Tim Wernette and Carolyn brown current with a few “ pin ” rocks a return to! 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