Overview
- Location: Sierra Nevada foothills, east of Lodi/Jackson, CA
- Classic Section: Electra Run (Electra Powerhouse to Middle Bar)
- Class: II–II+ (excellent for beginners/intermediates)
- Best Season: Spring to mid-summer (scheduled PG&E dam releases)
- Best Flow: 500–1,500 cfs (optimum: 800–1,200 cfs)
- Character: Clear, scenic river; mostly mellow pool-drop with a few fun rapids, warm water by late spring, road parallels river for easy access.
Popular Whitewater Section – Electra Run
- Put-In: Electra Powerhouse Day Use Area (parking lot, pit toilets, gentle river access)
- Take-Out: Middle Bar Bridge (old bridge, small parking area, river right)
- Distance: ~5.5 miles
- Skill Level: Ideal for beginners, intro to whitewater, and family trips; also fun for inflatables and SUPs.
Shorter Option:
- Electra to Big Bar: Take out at Big Bar day use for a ~3 mile float (easy road shuttle).
Major Rapids (Downstream Order)
- Electra Launch (I)
- Easy warm-up, gentle current.
- Mile Long Rapid (II)
- Fun, bouncy waves—read and run.
- S-Turn (II+)
- Main action on the run: S-shaped channel, some rocks at low water.
- Poverty Flats (I–II)
- Mellow current, great for practice.
- Highway Rapid (II)
- Short, fun drop, typically run left or center.
- Middle Bar Bridge Take-Out (II)
- Minor riffles right before the bridge.
Planning Your Trip
1. Flows & Timing
- Check flows: Dreamflows Mokelumne
- Best time: Spring/early summer, but PG&E often schedules recreational releases for weekends into July.
- Optimal flows: 800–1,200 cfs for kayaks/rafts/SUP.
2. Permits & Fees
- No permits required for private boaters.
- Parking: Electra Day Use and Big Bar may have small day-use fees (bring cash).
3. Shuttles
- Short, easy shuttle: 10–15 minutes along Electra Rd/Middle Bar Rd.
- Roadside access makes self-shuttles and group runs simple.
4. Gear
- Rec or whitewater kayak, SUP, or raft
- PFD, helmet, paddle, dry bag, water, snacks
- Sun protection—minimal shade in summer!
5. Safety
- Scout S-Turn and Highway Rapid if you’re new.
- Keep an eye out for swimmers, tubers, and anglers—river can get busy on weekends.
- Warm water but still wear a PFD and use sun protection.
- Cell service is spotty—plan accordingly.
6. Camping & Amenities
- Electra and Big Bar: Day-use only, no camping.
- Nearby camping: Pardee and Camanche Reservoirs (10–20 min drive), or BLM/USFS campgrounds near Jackson.
Sample Beginner Itinerary
- 10:00 am: Meet at Middle Bar, leave a shuttle car.
- 10:30 am: Put-in at Electra, warm up and practice strokes.
- Midday: Paddle Mile Long Rapid, lunch on a gravel bar.
- Early afternoon: Run S-Turn and Highway Rapid.
- 2:00 pm: Take out at Middle Bar, celebrate your first river day!
Local Resources & Further Info
- American Whitewater Mokelumne Page
- Dreamflows Mokelumne Flow Reports
- East Bay Municipal Utility District Recreation (for area closures/camping)
- PG&E Water Releases
Rapid Reference Table (Electra Run)
| Rapid Name | Class | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mile Long | II | Fun wave train, easy lines |
| S-Turn | II+ | Scout if new, main action |
| Highway Rapid | II | Short drop, fun finish |
Pro Tips for Beginners
- Perfect river to learn on: Book a lesson or join a local club trip.
- Practice self-rescue in slow pools.
- Busy on weekends—early starts = fewer crowds.
- Great spot for picnic lunch and swimming.