Overview
- Location: Sierra Nevada foothills, northeast of Oakdale/Knights Ferry, CA
- Classic Whitewater Section: Camp Nine Run (Upper Stanislaus)
- Class: III (with some II and short IV sections depending on flow)
- Best Season: Spring (April–June) in high snow years; very flow-dependent
- Best Flow: 700–2,000 cfs
- Character: Scenic granite gorges, fun rapids, suitable for strong intermediates and up. (Note: Most of the famed “Camp Nine” run is only boatable after a wet winter.)
Whitewater Sections
1. Camp Nine Run (Upper Stanislaus)
- Put-In: Camp Nine Powerhouse (off Avery–Sheep Ranch Road, east of Murphys)
- Take-Out: Parrotts Ferry Bridge (north of Columbia, CA)
- Length: ~8 miles
- Class: III (one IV at higher flows)
Note: Access is remote, shuttle is long (1.5 hours), and flow is highly variable. Dam releases unpredictable—check flows before committing.
Major Rapids (Downstream Order)
- Pinball (III)
- Boulder garden, technical moves.
- Mother (III)
- Big wave train, fun at all flows.
- Rattlesnake (III+)
- Drop with big holes at high water.
- Showerhead (III)
- Series of small drops.
- Rose Creek (III–IV)
- Steepest drop, scout at high flows.
- Delightful (III)
- Playful, fun moves.
- Acapulco (III)
- Splashy waves, fun finish.
- Twins (III)
- Two quick drops before the take-out.
2. Knights Ferry Section (Lower Stanislaus)
- Put-In: Above Knights Ferry (near the covered bridge, easy access)
- Take-Out: Orange Blossom Park (near Oakdale)
- Length: ~11 miles
- Class: I–II+ (family friendly, popular summer tubing/rafting route)
- Features: Gentle rapids, scenic limestone canyons, historic covered bridge.
Trip Planning Tips
1. Flows & Timing
- Check flows: Dreamflows Stanislaus
- Best time: Spring snowmelt (April–June), very rare dam releases in summer
- Beware: Flows drop quickly in drought years; always check day-of.
2. Permits & Fees
- No permits required for private boaters.
- Parking/camping fees may apply at Parrotts Ferry and Knights Ferry (Stanislaus River Parks).
3. Shuttles
- Camp Nine Run: Long, winding, mountain roads—4WD helpful, allow at least 90 minutes. No cell service.
- Knights Ferry: Easy roadside access and short shuttles.
4. Gear
- Whitewater kayak, helmet, paddle, PFD, drybag, throw rope, repair kit
- Wetsuit in spring (cold water!)
5. Safety
- Scout Rose Creek, Rattlesnake, and Mother—major rapids.
- Travel in groups—this is remote, especially on Camp Nine.
- Spring snowmelt can create strainers and logs after storms.
6. Camping & Amenities
- Murphys is the best nearby supply town for Camp Nine.
- Camping available at Calaveras Big Trees and nearby USFS/BLM campgrounds.
- Knights Ferry: Family picnic areas, historic sites, easy car access.
Sample Itinerary (Camp Nine Run)
- 8:00 am: Meet at Parrotts Ferry Bridge, leave shuttle vehicle.
- 9:30 am: Drive to Camp Nine Powerhouse, rig boats, scout.
- 10:00 am: Launch, warm up on Pinball.
- Midday: Scout Rose Creek rapid, lunch below.
- Afternoon: Paddle out, take out at Parrotts Ferry.
Local Resources & Further Info
- American Whitewater Stanislaus Page
- Dreamflows – Stanislaus Flow Reports
- US Army Corps – Stanislaus River Parks
- Murphys, CA Visitor Info
Rapid Reference Table (Camp Nine Run)
| Rapid Name | Class | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pinball | III | Boulder garden |
| Mother | III | Wave train, scout if new |
| Rattlesnake | III+ | Big holes at high water |
| Showerhead | III | Playful |
| Rose Creek | III–IV | Steep, major rapid |
| Delightful | III | Fun, playful |
| Acapulco | III | Splashy, near end |
| Twins | III | Two quick drops, finale |
Pro Tips
- Camp Nine is a spring-only gem—plan trips with flexible dates based on flows.
- Knights Ferry is perfect for families and beginners in the summer.
- Pack out all trash, respect private property, and support local towns.