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Tuolumne, S. Fork - Highway 120 Bridge to Rainbow Pool Picnic Area
Tuolumne, S. Fork, California, US |
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Highway 120 Bridge to Rainbow Pool Picnic Area
| Usual Difficulty | IV-V (for normal flows) |
|---|---|
| Length | 7 Miles |
Gauge Information
| Name | Range | Difficulty | Updated | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SF TUOLUMNE R NR OAKLAND REC CAMP | ||||
| cdec-STO | 300 - 600 cfs | IV-V | 07h04m | 38 cfs (rc= -0.9 ) |
River Description
Despite the uninspiring description in the Holbeck/Stanley ("bible"). This
is a fantastic run. Maybe even a classic now that is has an internet guage and
predictable flows. Likely a great wintertime resource in addition to spring melt.
Character
IV - V Lo-Medium Volume Creek. Pool drop in nature with some longer boulder gardens.
Probably 20-25 great rapids, mix of boulder gardens, ledges, and even a few slides. A few good
mini gorges in the first mile or two. Run flattens out and runs thru a ~1/2 m developed
area. After the dam, the run gets a bit steeper and more frequent pool drop. Good
Rapids all the way to the take-out.
At similar flows, SF T is:
1. Similar in difficulty but shorter than SF Feather.
2. Easier, more open, and higher quality than Lovers Leap.
3. Much longer and harder than Pauley/Lavazola.
Best comparision is a longer, no hike version of Canyon Creek (SF Yuba trib).
1. Similar in difficulty but shorter than SF Feather.
2. Easier, more open, and higher quality than Lovers Leap.
3. Much longer and harder than Pauley/Lavazola.
Best comparision is a longer, no hike version of Canyon Creek (SF Yuba trib).
Portages
2 Portages. 20-25' dam (looks runnable, I'll let you test for rebar) and a bigger drop multi-tier 35-40' drop somewhat similar to the "ugly duckling portage" on S Branch Feather. Do beware the obvious piton in the first significant drop of the run.
2 Portages. 20-25' dam (looks runnable, I'll let you test for rebar) and a bigger drop multi-tier 35-40' drop somewhat similar to the "ugly duckling portage" on S Branch Feather. Do beware the obvious piton in the first significant drop of the run.
Logistics
Take Out = Rainbow Pool (just off of highway 120, just west of Cherry Lake Rd)
Put In = HWY 120 bridge ~6mi upstream of rainbow pool
Recommended Flows = 300-350 is ideal for first timers and/or the faint of heart. Likely up to 600 if you are bold.
Take Out = Rainbow Pool (just off of highway 120, just west of Cherry Lake Rd)
Put In = HWY 120 bridge ~6mi upstream of rainbow pool
Recommended Flows = 300-350 is ideal for first timers and/or the faint of heart. Likely up to 600 if you are bold.
Is this run for me?
If you want to step up to class V creeking, hone your boat scouting and have a fun adventure, go get it at 350cfs or less. Everything looked portageable. If you don't have fun on the first mile, take out at Berkeley camp.
If you want to step up to class V creeking, hone your boat scouting and have a fun adventure, go get it at 350cfs or less. Everything looked portageable. If you don't have fun on the first mile, take out at Berkeley camp.
Playground for a confident class V boater.
If you are a class V+ boater and haven't done it, it's worth it. Fun but not overly challenging.
If you are a class V+ boater and haven't done it, it's worth it. Fun but not overly challenging.
Note: the reach ID'ed by the lat/longitude coordinates is from Rte. 101 to the campground. However, it contains some flatwater. There's some pretty honking gradient from the campground to the main Tuolumne.
StreamTeam Status: Not Verified
Last Updated: 2010-05-20 19:26:17
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Highway 120 Bridge to Rainbow Pool Picnic Area, Tuolumne, S. Fork California, US (mobile)