Tuolumne,

3) Cherry Creek to Meral's Pool (Cherry Creek)

Lumsden Falls

Lumsden Falls
Photo of Kevin Gregerson by Brett Valle

Gauge Information

River Description

The Cherry Creek run of the Tuolumne has a number of big class 5 drops and many class 4+ and 5- rapids to keep first timers intimidated and old timers coming back. The riverside scenery is excellent with lots of small granite cliffs and giant boulders along the river. The forest is a mixture of pines and oak woodlands. Beware that there is also plenty of poison oak.

Cherry Creek may be the most popular class 5 whitewater in California because it receives dependable flows from Holm Powerhouse most of the summer and sometimes in the fall and winter. Many people boat this reach week after week through the summer, learning every facet of every rapid.

Near the end of the summer there is an annual but informal Cherry Creek downriver race and party. Spectators and safety volunteers spread out along the race section and hotshots paddle as fast as they can down a section containing some of the major rapids. Dates for the race are usually announced on Boof.com and other kayaking websites and email lists.

Put in: Holm Powerhouse google map. Boaters usually gather up off the main highway at Casa Loma to carpool and coordinate shuttles.

Take out: Lumsden Bridge is the first possible take out and the most commonly used one. google map. Boaters can also continue downstream to Meral's Pool by Lumsden Campground.

Good rapid by rapid video of Cherry Creek on you tube.

Groveland Ranger Station: (209) 962-7825


Cassady & Calhoun, Holbek & Stanley, Martin