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Tuolumne River Permits

Stanislaus National Forest

Trailheads
  • Cherry Creek
  • Main Tuolumne River

Overview

Welcome to one of the most celebrated whitewater experiences in the world. With careful preparation and knowledge, you’ll have a wonderful river adventure and memories to last a lifetime! The Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River is renowned worldwide for its remote class IV to V+ whitewater and scenery. Designated a Wild and Scenic River in 1984, it originates in the remains of the Lyell Glacier and travels 83 miles through incredible waterfalls and glaciated canyons in Yosemite National Park into and through 27 miles of crystal clear whitewater on the Stanislaus National Forest, ending at the Don Pedro Reservoir on Bureau of Land Management land. To learn more about the Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River, visit: https://www.tuolumne.org/yourriver  Recommended for highly experienced boat operators, the Cherry Creek Run is a nine-mile, one day class V+ run. With a gradient of 110 feet per mile and a "Miracle Mile" dropping at over 200 feet per mile, Cherry Creek is possibly the most challenging whitewater rafting run in the nation. The more popular section, the Main Tuolumne is a Class IV+ run (Class 5 above 5,000 cubic feet per second flows). It’s 18 miles long and can be run in one to three days. It is recommended that river runners read and watch widely about navigating the Tuolumne and plan enough time for scouting and difficulties while on the river. Please note: Permits are required. Primary additional carry-in access from the South Fork of the Tuolumne River, Lumsden Bridge Campground and from the Clavey River (Class 5+). Road Conditions/Closures can occur without notice; for current conditions call 209-962-7825. Main Tuolumne Launch: Merals Pool Ramp GPS: -37.83669, -120.5317 on Forest Service (FS) Road 1N10 (Lumsden Rd), 5 miles east of Ferretti Rd Caution: FS Road 1N10 is a steep single dirt/gravel lane with occasional turn outs. Main Tuolumne Take Out: Wards Ferry Bridge GPS: -37.87684, -120.29537 on Wards Ferry Rd, drive 7.5 miles north from CA State Highway 120 Caution: Wards Ferry Rd. becomes as steep one lane road with few turnouts Cherry Creek Launch – Warning - This section is Class V+ to 6 (depending on flow) with one recommended portage. Flows can fluctuate rapidly, every day: Holms Powerhouse Ramp GPS: -37.88902, -119.96760 on FS Road 1S23Y, adjacent to Andresen Trailhead and Holms Powerhouse. From Groveland, drive east to Cherry Lake Rd (FS Road 1N07), turn left and follow the signs to Early Intake. Drive across the Tuolumne (you can put in here if you want) and drive about a mile and turn left on FS Road 1S23Y. Caution: FS Road 1S23Y is narrow and dead ends. Only one turnaround at the Launch! Do Not Block! Keep Out of the Powerhouse facility. Cherry Creek Take Out: Merals Pool Ramp GPS: -37.83669, -120.5317 on FS Road 1N10 (Lumsden Rd), 5 miles east of Ferretti Rd Caution: FS Road 1N10 is a steep single dirt/gravel lane with occasional turn outs. 

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