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Overview
In the spring, when snowpack in the Sierra is abundant and the conditions are just right, the North Fork of the Stanislaus River boasts some of the best and most technical Class IV whitewater rafting in California. A veritable insta-epic, the North Fork of the Stanislaus River (also known as the “Stan”) starts at 4,000 feet and hurdles 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. 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. 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.
Photos & Videos
Itinerary & Map
Behind Jack Knight Hall in Calaveras Big Trees State Park, 1170 CA-4, Arnold, CA 95223
Turn right immediately after the Park Tollbooth; take the next right and park on the left side of the road past the Ranger/Resource office. Look for the OARS van with yellow rafts on top.
9:00 AM
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.
BEGINNER’S LUCK (IV-V) Put-in (start) OARS North Fork Stanislaus Whitewater Rafting trips. This is a staircase-like rapid in which the first drop is followed by a steep ramp and a large hole. We’ll start the trip by portaging Beginner’s Luck, which will set us up nicely to enter Body Slam.
BODY SLAM (IV) There is a technical entrance to this rapid, especially at low water flows. You will make a hard push to the left to avoid a 6-foot wide by 6-foot high pour-over. Go over the top and you get “Body Slammed.”
BEAR CLAW (III+) “Chunky” run in the main current with a few “pin” rocks. There is a hidden line on the left bank that is really fun.
SHOTGUN (III) There is a technical entrance with a lot of acceleration along a granite slab on the left side of the river.
Board’s Crossing. There is a private dirt road and a bridge which crosses the river.
THE SLOT (IV) Several routes are possible depending on the river’s flow. Listen to your guide and paddle hard!
THE PLUNGE (IV) There is an 8-foot slanting waterfall with a big hole at the bottom on the left side of the river. There is a collection of rock jumbles on river right.
THE THING or CONVULSION (IV+) The “thing”, found in the middle of the river, is a spouting rock that resembles a rooster tail.
WHITEOUT (IV) Numerous car sized boulders make it virtually impossible to see the bottom of this rapid. After navigating the top there are three ways out of the rapid: Door #1, #2 or #3. Door #1 is the most fun with a 5-foot “spout” waterfall. Doors #2 and #3 involve a lot of technical maneuvering.
SURF LEDGES (III) There are consistent re-circulating holes that are great for surfing.
UPPER SEQUOIA (IV+) This is an “s-turn” type of rapid. The entrance to the rapid begins on river right. There is a hard left move followed by a hard right move.
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.
BIG TREES FALLS (IV) Line up on the right then enjoy the ride of this 12-foot slanting chute.
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.
Take out/end. Hot/cold drinks and a return shuttle to your vehicle await at the take-out of your OARS North Fork Stan River rafting trip.
Dates & Prices
Additional Cost:
20% Discount for Groups of 12 or More! (call for details)
Save 10% when you book online!
O.A.R.S. West, Inc. operates on the North Fork of the Stanislaus River as a permitted outfitter under the Stanislaus National Forest.
We respect and recognize that many of the river canyons on state and federal lands where we operate are the ancestral homes of indigenous communities. Where we operate on the Stanislaus River from Beginner’s Luck to Big Trees Falls, we acknowledge the territories of the Washoe and Central Sierra Me-wuk.
Reviews
“I have taken many guided trips, both rafting and non-rafting. The North Fork Stan trip was the best one-day trip I have ever experienced. Chris (lead guide) did an excellent job, in both guiding my raft and group organization and safety. The other guides were also very good. The river was my type, also.”
-Russ Callen ~ Atlanta, GA
“Great guides and company personnel. Wonderful river and great scenery. It was great!”
Tim Wernette and Carolyn Brown
~ Tucson, AZ
Press & Blog
Before You Go
