Half-Day Trips:
Half-day trips run the upper Class III stretch and put-in about eight miles up from Hangman’s Bridge at “Cave Rock”. This run has almost continuous Class 3 rapids all the way to the take-out at Hangman’s Bridge. From here, you will be transported the short distance back to your vehicle. 21-Mile Wilderness Run:
On the 21-mile wilderness run, you will be transported to the put-in at Hangman’s Bridge, two miles SE of Markleeville. This 21-mile section has excellent scenery, with spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra’s. On both one and two-day trips, the more adventurous paddlers can to share inflatable kayaks and the natural hot springs, nine miles down from the put-in, are some of the high-lights of the trip. The main hot springs on the left bank cascades in a small waterfall into the river. If water levels are not too high, a pool is built out of river rock and the water temperature of the pool is adjusted by the amount of river water allowed to flow into the pool. A pool on the bank above the river is also used. Tributary Whitewater Tours often takes lunch at this site, so you can soak while the food is being prepared. You’ll reach the take-out, near Gardnerville in Nevada, around 4:30pm. The equipment will be loaded on to waiting shuttle vehicles, while you enjoy some cold beverages and the trip back to the meeting place takes about 3/4 hour. Three-Day Trips:
The two-day trip is the best possible trip on this river, taking full advantage of the hot springs, scenery and wilderness surroundings.
On a two-day trip, you will be provided with a large dry-bag in which you will put your personal clothing and camping gear. You’ll stop for lunch at a suitable beach area and then on to the campsite, usually on the opposite side of the river, just above the main hot springs. It is a beautiful spot, with large pines that offer shade, junipers and a large flat grassy area. Across the river stand red and orange cliff sides dotted with trees.
In the evening, you will have time to set-up camp, head down the trail to a little known small hot springs, or simply relax with a cold drink while your guides prepare your meal. Fishing is excellent in this protected waterway for ‘wild trout’, but do not forget your license and check on local restrictions regarding your catch.
Dinner will normally be served around 7:30pm and appetizers are available, usually vegetables and dips; cheese and crackers; and chips and salsa. A cooler of drinks and a moderate amount of wine is also provided. The main course will normally consist of barbecued chicken, baked potatoes or corn, or perhaps hearty vegetarian lasagna. Both are served with a large mixed salad with artichoke hearts and garlic bread. However much is consumed; everyone still finds room for Tributary’s Dutch-oven baked desserts served with whipped cream or a delectable cheese cake.
After dinner, the stars come out over the East Fork Carson in a way city-dwellers rarely see. Now is the perfect time to go down to the hot springs and relax in the warmth while watching the moonrise. You may also just enjoy the peace and quiet of the wilderness while sipping a glass of wine or a steaming mug of hot chocolate around the campfire. You’ll be sure to sleep well that night!
Next morning, you will wake to the aroma of coffee brewing and while the guides prepare breakfast. Early risers can visit the hot springs again before breakfast, take a walk or fish. Breakfast will normally be served around 8:30am and consists of either pancakes or eggs and hash browns with sausage or bacon, fresh fruit, pastries, orange juice, milk, tea and coffee. Depart from camp around 10:30am and maneuver the most difficult rapid on the river, a Class 2+ rapid called ‘Sidewinder’. The main hot springs is located just below this on the left bank.
Lunch can be taken at the hot springs or you can just take a soak. Lunches usually consist of a deli-style spread with a selection of breads, meats and cheeses or pita bread with tuna or chicken salad. Tomatoes, avocados, lettuce, sprouts, chips and salsa, fresh fruit, cookies, vegetables and dip are included. Tributary is glad to accommodate any special dietary needs, just let them know in advance. There are other convenient sites for lunch further downstream, one particular spot affords a hike up fairly steep terrain to a cave. The scenery from this point changes and the vegetation becomes more sparse as you enter the high desert of Nevada and the river meanders in horseshoe shaped meanders past interesting rock formations. Often, nesting Canada Geese are spotted and swallows swoop down to the river from their mud homes hanging from large rocks along the banks.
At take-out, you will be served cold drinks while the guides de-rig the overnight gear from the rafts, and then you will be shuttled back to your vehicles in Markleeville. Rather than rushing home, think about enjoying the local area for another night or visit South Lake Tahoe only 39 miles away. |
Featured Adventures
