Experienced kayakers and rafters can find plenty
of excitement on the white water found along the
Feather River in Plumas County.
 Beginner-level
canoeing or float-tubing is possible along the
more gentle eastern stretches, or along some of
its tributaries such as Indian Creek.
The rafting season runs approximately from January to April or May,
depending on the flow. By early July,
flows are low enough that inner tubes and air
mattresses are the usual mode for short float
trips on the upper stretches only.
*The
North Fork of the Feather River will once again
have increased flow releases
taking place during the summer on select
weekends. During 2008, the flows are scheduled
on May 24, July 26-27, August 23-24, September
27-28 and October 25.
(Please check back as these dates have a
tendency to change or check
American Whitewater
Website)
The flows will create intermediate to advanced
runs at the Rock Creek and Cresta reaches
downstream from Belden along Highway 70.
Shuttle service may be offered during these
weekends; for more information, call North Rim
Adventure Sports, (530) 345-2453 or check the
American Whitewater website.
Adventure
Outings (530) 898-4011, offers guide service for beginners on Class II
and III sections of the North Fork Feather from February through May. Click on
the link for trip schedules. Experienced whitewater enthusiasts can bring
their own equipment or rent from Adventure Outings. Tubes also are available for
sale at area sporting goods stores and tire shops.
The North Fork of the Feather along Highway 70 from the intersection of
Highway 89 (Greenville Y) to Twain or Virgilia is suitable for canoes or
beginner kayakers, with moderate ratings of Class II and III. The stretch
from Virgilia to Rich Bar is recommended for experts only. From Rich Bar
to Belden is a popular Class III stretch of about five miles, with take-out at
the rest area or resort. Below Belden there are intermediate and advanced runs
that are accessible during the recreational summer flows. (See New
Information, above.)
The Middle Fork of the Feather at its upper stretches is gentler, with easier
access. From Clio to the Mohawk Bridge near Blairsden is a slow Class I and II,
suitable for beginner canoeing. During the spring runoff, class II and III
rafting and kayaking is recommended from Mohawk to Sloat, or from Sloat to the
La Porte Road bridge, with take-out at the campground.
 The
Wild and Scenic Zone of the Middle Fork past the La Porte Road bridge is for
teams of expert rafters and kayakers only. The renowned 32 mile, three day
trip to Milsap Bar is an extremely difficult wilderness adventure that takes
experts past deep canyon walls, numerous boulders and waterfalls. Experts regard
this remote and scenic stretch as the most spectacular multi-day kayaking trip
in California.
No matter what level of river sport you're planning, be sure to take caution
by wearing a flotation device and helmet at all times. And remember the river
can change from year to year, depending on winter floods. Watch for fallen trees
and other obstacles, and always scout rapids when possible. |
