Tuolumne, California, US

2) Hetch Hetchy to Early Intake (Poopenaut Valley)

Gauge Information

River Description

Messages  at Boof.com imply that this section has had exploratory descents, but otherwise there has been very little information about this section of river.  It was kayaked in 2008 and a trip report is linked below. 

Aerial photos on the map tab show that much of this section is low gradient separated by usually short sections of falls or cascades.    One long section of boulders and cascades squeezed between major cliffs, appears to be a significant obstacle.  

Take out:  Early Intake is only a few miles away from Holm Powerhouse, the put in for the regular Cherry creek run.   From Highway 120 near Colfax Spring, find the Cherry Lake Rd, (Forest Rd 1N07).     It is unclear if the best take-out is on the small reservoir at Early Intake or upstream near where the road makes a switchback.   google map.

Put in:   From the take out, backtrack a short ways to Forest Rd. 1S02, Mather Road.    Take this road east through Mather to Hetch Hetchy.   There is a parking lot near the dam.   From the dam side of the parking area, a dirt road leads back downstream to a bridge over the river.    This road may be gated.  google map.

Other Information Sources:

Poopenaut Gorge of the Tuolumne V-V+ (P)  Trip report at Jefferson State Creeking.  
HETCH HETCHY:    Panoramic Photos of Hetch Hetchy from the dam and nearby.
Restore Hetch Hetchy    An organization working to remove the dam and restore the valley of Hetch Hetchy.
Photo Tour of Hetch Hetchy   By Betsy Malloy at About.com
Yosemite Park:  Tuolumne River/Tuolumne Meadows Plan

2008 Tuolumne Planning Workbook page

    Comments due Sept. 15, 2008

There are ongoing biological studies being conducted by Hetch Hetchy Water and Power.  Study information