THRILLS AWAIT
Whitewater rafters and kayakers have a love-hate (or perhaps hate-love is a better description) relationships with dams.
Most are environmentalists, so they mourn when dams back up rivers, forming miles-long reservoirs that flood canyons, drown rapids and destroy habitat. However, those reservoirs provide releases during the summer and into the fall that allow us to paddle on rivers that otherwise would have minimal flows.
Several streams in the Sierra and beyond are still free-flowing and offer exciting, whitewater thrills in April, May and sometimes June when average to heavy snowpacks are melting. (Conversely, when winter snow is light, they are often un-runnable.)
SALMON RIVER, CALIF.
April through June The Salmon, a tributary of the Klamath River, has renowned — and difficult — Class IV and V rapids. One in particular, Freight Train, has a long, complicated series of big waves and holes that require deft maneuvering to keep rafts and kayaks upright. Several sections of whitewater can be done as day trips, with a base at one of the nearby Forest Service camps. Most people take two to three days to explore this river known for its clear water and lovely scenery.
NORTH FORK AMERICAN, CALIF.
April through mid-June The North Fork of the American may be California’s most stunning in a state full of beautiful rivers. This clear river has beautiful rock formations, and in the spring the hillsides are covered with orange California poppies. There are several sections of whitewater, but most people do the nine-mile Chamberlain Falls section with nonstop Class IV and IV-plus drops. Some of the better rapids include Zig-Zag, Achilles’ Heel and Bogus Thunder. The one-day outing is sometimes combined with the South Fork of the American for a fun weekend of rafting.
MERCED RIVER, CALIF.
April-July
During peak flows, typically mid-May to early June, the Merced (near Yosemite) turns into a bigwater trip with Grand Canyon-size wave trains. For the rest of the season it mellows out to a more moderate trip full of fun, rollicking rapids. Some of the memorable rapids include Ned’s Gulch, Split Rock and Corner Pocket. Minimum age 14 at high water.