Kayaker’s Guide to the East Fork Carson River

Overview

Location: Eastern Sierra, Alpine County, CA—flows northeast from Markleeville, CA into Nevada (near Gardnerville, Minden)
Length: ~21 miles for the classic whitewater run (Hangman’s Bridge to Ruhenstroth Dam)
Class: II–III (with a few easy Class III+ drops, mostly at high water)
Best Season: Late April–June (spring snowmelt; can be paddled in high-water years as late as July)
Best Flow: 600–2,000 cfs (optimum: 800–1,200 cfs for rafts/kayaks)
Character: Scenic, remote, mostly wilderness paddle with hot springs, abundant wildlife, and beautiful canyon vistas.

Put-In: Hangman’s Bridge (1 mile east of Markleeville on Hwy 89/4)
Take-Out: Ruhenstroth Dam (first dam in Nevada, easy access off Hwy 395 south of Gardnerville)
Distance: ~21 miles (full wilderness run; some take out at Gardnerville for a shorter trip)
Time: 1 long day, or 2 days with riverside camping

Hangman’s Bridge to Hot Springs (12 miles)
Take out at the public river access near the hot springs for a half-day trip and soak.
Hot Springs to Ruhenstroth Dam (9 miles)
Put in at the hot springs (dirt access road) for a mellow day trip into Nevada.

Airport Rapid (II+)
- Bouncy waves near the old Markleeville airport.
Sidewinder (II+)
- Fun S-turn, some waves and holes at high water.
Lunch Rock (III-)
- Boulder garden, scout from river left at higher flows.
Pipeline Rapid (III)
- Main drop of the run—fun at all flows, read-and-run.
Hot Springs Rapid (II+)
- Just before the river’s famous hot springs.
Riverbend (II+)
- Beautiful curve, a few more splashy waves.
Gardnerville Ditch (II)
- Final riffles before the river slows down near the Nevada border.

Scenery: Sierra Nevada peaks, desert wildflowers, ponderosa pines, and cottonwood groves.
Hot Springs: Several riverside pools 12 miles below Hangman’s Bridge—bring a swimsuit!
Camping: Primitive camping is allowed on much of the upper river; popular for overnight raft/kayak trips.

No permits required for private boaters.
Camping: Dispersed camping is allowed; respect private property and pack out all waste.
Hot springs: Free, first-come/first-served; be respectful of other users.

Shuttle distance: ~35 minutes (Hwy 89/4 to Hwy 395)
Roads: All paved, but remote—cell coverage spotty outside towns.
Parking: Room at both Hangman’s Bridge and Ruhenstroth Dam; carpool if possible.

Inflatable or hard-shell kayak, raft, or SUP (SUP for experienced only—windy afternoons)
Helmet, PFD, paddle, drybag, sun protection, plenty of water (can be hot and dry!)
Wetsuit or splash gear—water is snowmelt cold into early summer
First aid kit, repair kit, trash bags

Primitive riverside camping: Most paddlers camp near the hot springs or on gravel bars along the upper run.
Campgrounds: Markleeville, Grover Hot Springs State Park (reservations recommended)
Resupplies: Markleeville (small store), Gardnerville (full services)

Day 1:

8:00 am: Meet at take-out (Ruhenstroth Dam), leave shuttle vehicle.
9:00 am: Put in at Hangman’s Bridge, paddle to hot springs (12 miles).
Lunch and soak at hot springs.
Paddle on to a gravel bar camp, or finish trip in one long day to Ruhenstroth Dam.

Day 2 (optional):

Tahoe Whitewater Tours (tahoewhitewatertours.com): Guided raft/kayak trips, shuttles, and equipment rental when flows allow.

Rapid Name	Class	Notes
Airport Rapid	II+	Fun waves, read and run
Sidewinder	II+	S-turn, splashy
Lunch Rock	III-	Boulder garden, scout high water
Pipeline	III	Main drop, biggest at high flow
Hot Springs	II+	Quick waves before the pools
Riverbend	II+	Sweeping curve, scenic
Gardnerville Ditch	II	Final riffles before take-out