Stanislaus, Middle Fork, California, US |
|
| Usual Difficulty | II-IV (for normal flows) |
|---|---|
| Length | 9 Miles |
The Dardenelles section is very pretty with easy boating for the first half of its length. Two
gorges just before and at the Highway 108 bridge must be portaged. Below this bridge the
river steepens to class 4 and the difficulty gradually increases to class 5 as it
approaches the Clark's Fork bridge. Since the highway follows the river for most of the distance,
boaters can pick and choose what sections to run. The first half of the section is generally
meandering flat water or swift water with periodic small but interesting rapids. Shoreline brush
or logs across the creek are the major potential hazards. The second half of the run, below the
highway 108 bridge is solid class 4 and closer to class 5 as it nears the Clark's Fork
bridge.
This is a beautiful area and it is worth spending time here for many more reasons than just the
nice boating.
Getting There: This area is about an hour from Sonora on Highway
108.
Take out: There are a number of potential take out locations that
suit different skill levels and ambitions. By the time the river gets to the Clark's
Fork bridge the difficulty is solid class 4 - 5 and is more in character with the downstream
Donnells section. Boaters looking for easy rapids should take out before the two
gorges above the highway 120 bridge. Scout suitable take-outs from the
road.
Put in: Kennedy Meadows is the highest convenient put
in. You can usually drive past the store to unload gear at the river but you will
need to park in the public areas near the store. Those interested in class 4 - 5
whitewater will prefer launching below the highway 108 bridge where the river gets
steeper.
Other nearby river sections:
The Clark's Fork has also been run.
The Donnells section
is immediately downstream. It is an excellent class 4 to 5 section, which is very
scenic. The take out logistics and/or shuttle are very difficult however.
Other Information Sources:
Maasaki's California
Whitewater Paddling blog
AW-PG&E flow
page Flow information is due to be reported in the coming
years.
1-866-629-3925 AW-PG&E Flow Phone
No photos found. Daily Flows Realtime Flows Dreamflows Home |
 |
| Show 3 Years |
Flows on this section will be less than shown in the graph, because of tributaries, especially the Clark's Fork which come in below the run or along its length.
Historical flow data is available from USGS gauge # 2920 at Kennedy Meadows. Records are available from 1938 to the present. Real time flow info from this gauge should be available starting in 2010 as a requirement of PG&E's new FERC License.
AW-PG&E flow page
1-866-629-3925 AW-PG&E Flow Phone
No Comments
Users can submit comments.| Mile | Rapid Name | Class | Features (Legend) |
|---|---|---|---|
| -1.0 | Kennedy Meadow gauging station | N/A | |
| 6.0 | Second Gorge | N/A |  |
Gauging station that will provide real time information starting in 2009.
This impressive gorge is a mandatory portage. Hike up to the road on river right. Walk across the highway bridge and head back down to the river from river left.
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1. Kennedy Meadows to Clark's Fork Bridge, Stanislaus, Middle Fork California, US (mobile)
