The mighty “North Stan” thunders through a narrow canyon at a gradient of 70 feet per mile, offering more thrilling drops, massive waves, steep chutes, and churning holes than any similar length Class IV river in California. The rapids come in quick succession, requiring non-stop technical maneuvering and intense paddling. This river is undoubtedly one of the best kept whitewater secrets in the West.
Raft through the deep green woodlands, vivid azalea groves, and sheer granite walls of the Stanislaus National Forest. The magnificent Giant Sequoias of Big Trees State Park, where Miwok Indians have left traces of their pastoral life before the Gold Rush, mark the trip’s take-out point.
This trip is recommended for rafter with previous paddling experience or ultra-aggressive beginners.
Trip Details
Duration
Full Day
Location
Stanislaus River
Season
May - June
Trip Type
Paddle
Nearest City
Sacramento, CA
Physical Condition Required
Excellent
Destination(s)
California, United States
Rated Classes
IV
Minimum Age Limit
14 (15 During High Water)
Distance Traveled
6 Miles
Dining
Lunch Provided
Rates
$144.00 - $170.00per personCurrency Converter (Rates shown are in US Dollars. Rates and terms are subject to change.)
Additional Rate Info
Additional Costs: $8 per person federal, state and local access fees. There is also a $6 State Park Day Use Fee to park your car in Big Trees State Park. This fee enables you to enjoy the Giant Sequoias, hiking trails and visitor center after your river trip.
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Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Meet at the designated time at Calaveras Big Trees State Park. Turn right immediately after the Park Tollbooth, then take the first left into the parking area. Look for the O.A.R.S. representative in the parking area. You will have a few minutes to check the gear before boarding the shuttle vehicle for the 20-minute ride to the put-in. There will be a safety talk before starting down river.
Beginner’s Luck gives you a good warm-up, followed by the The Claw and The Thing in quick succession. With an average gradient of 70 feet per mile, the rapids come quickly on this river.
Lunchtime comes and you pull off the water for a delicious picnic. Knowing that a morning of hard paddling inspires a very hearty appetite, O.A.R.S. makes sure that lunches are always abundant and satisfying. Lounge on the side of the river with a deli sandwich piled high with fresh cold cuts, cheese and veggies or perhaps tasty taco salad, plus icy lemonade, water, fresh fruit and cookies. After feasting and relaxing on shore, the journey resumes.
Dig Dog, Whiteout and Rattlesnake are among the continuous steep drops and boulder slaloms that you negotiate. After a couple of miles of aggressive paddling through tumultuous whitewater, you near the end of the Class IV section – but not before facing Sequoia Falls, the river’s most infamous rapid and a right of passage as conquerors of the North Fork.
As you reach our take-out point, the river trip draws to a close. An O.A.R.S. shuttle will be waiting to give you a ten-minute ride back to your vehicle.
COMPLIMENTARY VISITOR GUIDES
Click on any visitor guide below to request a free copy.
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