Revised Rim Fire Closure Order - Tuolumne River Access 2014 (CA)

On April 14, 2014 the Forest Supervisor for Stanislaus National Forest issued Rim Fire Closure Order 2014-01 that reopens boating access to the following sections of the Wild & Scenic Tuolumne River as outlined below:

Cherry Creek to Meral's Pool - Access to the Upper Tuolumne/Cherry Creek launch at Holm Powerhouse off Cherry Lake Road by permitted shuttle service only (see shuttle information below).

Meral's Pool to Wards Ferry Bridge - Access to Meral's Pool Boat Launch via Lumsden Road (1N10) between Ferretti Road and Lumsden Bridge.

Starting May 1st, free, mandatory permits are required to float between Cherry Creek to Meral's Pool and Meral's Pool to Ward's Ferry. Permits can be picked up at the Groveland Ranger Station during business hours (Monday to Friday, 8am-4:30pm).  Reservation forms are now available online on the Stanislaus National Forest website.

Due to 24/7 logging truck activity on Cherry Lake Road, public access to Cherry Creek is limited to vehicle travel by Tuolumne River Shuttle only.  It is suggested that users plan ahead & go in with a group of paddlers when making reservations to use the service.  Details, contact information and per person rates can be found here.

Please note that Upper & West Fork Cherry Creek access is, logistically speaking, closed for the 2014 season.  The commonly used trailhead to hike to the put-ins at Shingle Springs along the Kibbie Ridge and the terminus of these runs are within the closure order boundaries (see the map on page 5 of the closure order).  Paddlers interested in attempting a different route to the put-ins from the west and different termini are encouraged to contact the Groveland Ranger District for logistics - 209-962-7825.