| Put In: |
Fordyce Lake |
| Take Out: |
Lake Spaulding |
| Difficulty: |
Class IV
, Class V
, Portage
|
| Gradient: |
50 - 220 fpm |
| Run Length: |
12 miles, 2 miles on lake |
| Good Level: |
350 - 600 cfs, Optimum 500 cfs |
| Streamflow Comments: |
There is no gauge for this creek but most years there is a consistant flow of 400 cfs throughout the summer |
| Season Comments: |
June, July, August
|
| Primary Season: |
This creek is dam controlled and releases usually happen from June to August |
| Permit: |
None presently required |
| Character/Similar To: |
Good intro to other High Sierra creeks. Mostly class III/IV rapids with a few class V/VI rapids that can be portaged. Unlike most runs in the High Sierras, this creek flows all summer long. |
| Hazards: |
This is a committing run, the lower portion of this run has been described as a portage fest of sorts. Most of the drops are clean and runnable but should be scouted |
| Water Craft: |
kayak |
| Land Ownership: |
Public |
| Wilderness: |
Yes |
| Location: |
In the Pacific Region (CA), 84.1 miles (1 hour 39 minutes) Northeast of Sacramento |
| Shuttle Logistics: |
Take Out: From I-80 take the Route 20 exit, head west and in 2.3 miles turn right on the road for Spaulding Lake. In about a 1 mile you will arrive at a parking area looking over the lake, this is the take out.
Put In: From the take out return to I-80 and head east for 5 miles to the Cisco Grove exit. Cross over the South Fork Yuba River and continue to the stop sign. At the stop sign turn left, then drive for a few hundred yards and turn right onto Fordyce Lake Road. Follow this small dirt road for about 5 miles uphill. The road is manageable until you begin to drive down hill. A large 4WD pick up is needed or you can hike the remaining 2 miles to the put in. |
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