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.
If no graph appears above see Dreamflows estimate of flow at Mushroom rapid.
For the latest flow predictions from Hetch Hetchy Water & Power read the Dreamflows.com bulletin archive at: Tuolumne river release schedule for 2007.
Revised Gauge description...currently experiencing technical difficulties: Cherry Creek is
considered unrunnable at high water levels. Do not attempt Cherry Creek above 2000 cfs. During
higher flow levels, Cherry Creek should only be attempted by individuals with extensive Class V
experience and the highest whitewater skill-set. Commercial rafting begins in early-mid July when
flows decrease to approximately 1100-1400 cfs. At this level, Cherry Creek is a steep, rushing
torrent of non-stop Class IV-V+ Rapids. Commercial rafting continues into late summer and ends when
flows decrease below approximately 700-800 cfs.
Realtime Flows
No rapids entered. If you know names, and locations of the rapids please contact and advise the StreamTeam member for this run. 
User Comments
considered unrunnable at high water levels. Do not attempt Cherry Creek above 2000 cfs. During
higher flow levels, Cherry Creek should only be attempted by individuals with extensive Class V
experience and the highest whitewater skill-set. Commercial rafting begins in early-mid July when
flows decrease to approximately 1100-1400 cfs. At this level, Cherry Creek is a steep, rushing
torrent of non-stop Class IV-V+ Rapids. Commercial rafting continues into late summer and ends when
flows decrease below approximately 700-800 cfs.