Overview
- Location: Sierra Nevada foothills, northeast of Auburn, CA
- Length: ~14–15 miles (Upper: Euchre Bar to Iowa Hill Bridge; Classic: Iowa Hill Bridge to Ponderosa Bridge)
- Class: IV–V (advanced/expert only)
- Best Season: Spring (March–May) — snowmelt only, not dam released
- Best Flow: 900–2,000 cfs (varies by section and boater experience)
- Character: Wild, steep, remote granite gorge with big drops, cold water, and continuous technical rapids.
Sections & Access Points
1. Upper North Fork (Euchre Bar to Iowa Hill Bridge)
- Put-In: Euchre Bar Trail (requires a strenuous hike in with your boat—NOT for most paddlers)
- Take-Out: Iowa Hill Bridge (end of Iowa Hill Road)
- Distance: ~5 miles
- Difficulty: Class V, very remote, for experts only.
2. The Classic North Fork (Iowa Hill Bridge to Ponderosa Bridge)
- Put-In: Iowa Hill Bridge (limited parking, narrow road)
- Take-Out: Ponderosa Way Bridge (rough, sometimes washed out road)
- Distance: ~9 miles (plan 4–7 hours depending on group and flow)
- Difficulty: Class IV+ to V- (at high flows, some rapids go full Class V)
Major Rapids (in River Order, Classic Run)
- Chamberlain Falls (IV+)
- The signature rapid: Big ledge, technical entry, powerful hole. Scout on left—most groups do!
- Hazard: Flip/swim here is dangerous; rescue is tough.
- Zig-Zag (IV)
- S-turn drop; sharp, technical.
- Achilles Heel (IV)
- Boulder garden, hidden holes.
- Tongue and Groove (IV)
- Powerful tongue and diagonal waves.
- Grand Slalom (IV)
- Complex boulder maze.
- Slab Creek (III)
- Chill out, scenic spot.
- Bogus Thunder (V)
- The biggest rapid—powerful, fast, with a bad swim potential.
- Scout on river left, portage possible but not easy.
- Devil’s Staircase (IV+)
- Steep, continuous drops.
- Bambi Falls (IV)
- Short, technical waterfall.
- Texas Chainsaw Mama (IV)
- Tight, technical boulder drop (different from Middle Fork’s rapid, but same name).
- Staircase (IV)
- Continuous ledges near the end.
Planning Your Trip
1. Permits & Flows
- No permit required for private boaters, but only runnable during spring snowmelt.
- Check flows: Dreamflows North Fork and gauge at Iowa Hill Bridge.
- Flow range: Under 800 cfs = technical, over 2,000 cfs = dangerous for all but true experts.
2. Shuttle & Logistics
- Shuttle: Long and rough—expect 45–60+ minutes each way. Ponderosa Road may be impassable after storms.
- Parking: Both ends are tight. Carpool, go early, lock vehicles.
- No cell service in the canyon.
3. Gear
- Creek boat or river runner (not for inflatables)
- Helmet, PFD, paddle, full wetsuit or drysuit (water is freezing)
- Throw rope, pin kit, first aid, plenty of food/water, waterproof map
- Repair kit, emergency gear—exits are steep and long
4. Safety
- Scout/portage as needed—especially Chamberlain Falls and Bogus Thunder.
- Only go with a strong group and solid rescue skills.
- Hike-outs are epic; self-rescue is extremely difficult.
5. Camping & Day Use
- No camping at access points; this is a day run only for almost all paddlers.
Sample Itinerary
- 7:00 am: Meet at Ponderosa Bridge (leave a car)
- 8:00 am: Drive to Iowa Hill Bridge, rig boats, scout first rapid.
- 9:00 am: Launch, scout Chamberlain Falls.
- Midday: Run main rapids, lunch on riverside granite.
- 3–4:00 pm: Finish at Ponderosa Bridge (tired but smiling).
Local Resources & Further Info
Rapid Reference Table
| Rapid Name | Class | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chamberlain Falls | IV+ | Most famous, scout/portage left |
| Zig-Zag | IV | S-turn, sharp moves |
| Achilles Heel | IV | Boulder garden |
| Tongue and Groove | IV | Powerful drop |
| Grand Slalom | IV | Maze of boulders |
| Bogus Thunder | V | Steep, big, serious consequences |
| Devil’s Staircase | IV+ | Long, steep, continuous |
| Bambi Falls | IV | Short waterfall, technical |
| Texas Chainsaw Mama | IV | Tight boulder drop |
| Staircase | IV | Ledges, near end |
North Fork Pro Tips:
- Never paddle alone.
- Scout everything you don’t know—especially Bogus Thunder and Chamberlain Falls.
- Dress for a swim—water is COLD, and climbs out are brutal.
- Check for logjams after winter storms—obstacles change yearly.
- Tell someone your float plan and ETA.