Overview
- Location: Sierra Nevada, north of Sacramento and east of Marysville/Grass Valley
- Main Whitewater Sections:
- North Yuba (most famous, Class IV–V)
- South Yuba (Class II–V, several great day runs)
- Middle Yuba (Class III–IV, remote, short season)
- Best Season: Spring snowmelt (March–June, depending on snowpack)
- Best Flows: Vary by section; North Yuba classic: 600–2,000 cfs
1. North Yuba River
Goodyears Bar to Downieville (aka “Goodyears Bar Run”)
- Class: IV–V (continuous technical whitewater, strong rescue skills needed)
- Length: ~7 miles
- Put-In: Goodyears Bar (just downstream of bridge)
- Take-Out: Downieville (at bridge or town park)
- Major Rapids:
- Maytag (IV)
- Three Doors (IV)
- Jaws (V-)
- Corner Pocket (IV+)
- Ramshorn (IV)
- Christmas Tree (IV)
- Screaming Right Turn (IV)
Rossasco Ravine to Goodyears Bar
- Class: IV–IV+
- Length: ~7 miles
- Rapids: Technical boulder gardens, less continuous than Downieville run.
Wild Plum to Downieville
- Class: IV–V
- Length: ~15 miles
- For: Very experienced paddlers; several big, continuous sections.
2. South Yuba River
Edwards Crossing to Purdon Crossing
- Class: III+ (IV at high water)
- Length: ~5 miles
- Put-In: Edwards Crossing (off North Bloomfield Rd)
- Take-Out: Purdon Crossing (off Purdon Rd)
- Rapids: Pool-drop, technical, beautiful granite gorges.
Highway 49 to Bridgeport
- Class: III–IV (with one V- at “Shark’s Tooth”)
- Length: ~9 miles
- Put-In: Highway 49 Bridge (Nevada City)
- Take-Out: Bridgeport Covered Bridge
- Rapids:
- “Shark’s Tooth” (V-) – scout, portage if unsure
- Flat Rock (IV)
- Christmas Tree (III+)
- Haystacks (III)
- China Bar (III)
Other South Yuba runs
- 49 Bridge to Edwards Crossing: Class II+ scenic beginner/intermediate run (often low water except after big rains).
3. Middle Yuba River
- Class: III–IV
- Length: 8–12 miles (various runs, e.g., Highway 49 bridge to confluence with North Yuba)
- Put-In: Relief Hill Road bridge (access can be tough)
- Take-Out: Confluence with North Yuba or further down
- Character: Steep, technical, scenic, short season, best after big snow years.
Planning Your Trip
1. Flows
- Check flows: Dreamflows Yuba Page
- Season: Usually April–June (North Yuba may run into July in big years).
2. Permits & Fees
- No permit required for private trips.
- Parking: May require passes at Bridgeport or state parks.
3. Shuttles
- Roadside shuttles for many South Yuba runs.
- Remote access for North Yuba—mountain roads, some dirt, limited cell coverage.
4. Safety
- Scout major rapids—especially on North Yuba and at “Shark’s Tooth” on South Yuba.
- Travel with a solid group, bring rescue gear.
- Be prepared for cold water, strainers/logs, changing flows.
- Respect local closures and private land.
5. Camping
- North Yuba: Indian Valley Outpost, Sierra Streamside, and wild camping (where allowed).
- South Yuba: Malakoff Diggins State Park, or BLM/FS campgrounds.
Sample North Yuba Itinerary (Goodyears Bar to Downieville)
- 8:00 am: Meet at Downieville, leave a car.
- 9:00 am: Drive to Goodyears Bar, rig and scout put-in.
- 9:30 am: Launch, warm up.
- Late morning: Scout/portage any major rapids as needed.
- Midday: Lunch on a riverside gravel bar.
- Early afternoon: Take out in Downieville.
Local Resources & Further Info
Rapid Reference Table (North Yuba, Goodyears Bar to Downieville)
| Rapid Name | Class | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Maytag | IV | Big holes, technical entry |
| Three Doors | IV | Boulder gardens |
| Jaws | V- | Scout, toughest rapid |
| Corner Pocket | IV+ | Tight, technical |
| Ramshorn | IV | Fast, fun |
| Christmas Tree | IV | Distinctive tree on shore |
| Screaming Right Turn | IV | Powerful S-turn |
Pro Tips
- North Yuba is continuous, technical, cold, and changes yearly—scout, and don’t underestimate the gradient!
- South Yuba is more accessible and a great place to move up from Class II–III to harder runs.
- The Yuba system is remote: cell service is spotty and self-rescue may be long.
- The area is popular with miners, anglers, and hikers—respect other users and pack out all trash.