Tuolumne,

5) Below La Grange

Rest Stop

Rest Stop
Photo by Paul Martzen taken 11/08/06 @ 350

Gauge Information

River Description

This valley section of the Tuolumne is scenic and an excellent beginner run. There is a salmon run in the fall season. The river is primarily flat, but there are many riffles, narrow channels and sharp turns. The unwary or inexperienced can easily end up being pushed into trees or brush and then get pushed underwater. High flows will increase this danger, as will alcohol intoxication. Those with even modest experience and caution will have an enjoyable time and want to return again and again.

From La Grange down to Basso bridge boat ramp, the river is generally wide with numerous small riffles and even a small ledge drop. Turns are all fairly gradual.

From Basso Bridge to Turlock Lake State Park, the river seems to alternate between flat wide slow water, and narrow channels that are fast and twisty. These twisty, fast channels are great fun for those with good boat control. Beginners, on the other hand, can find themselves swept into the bushes and tipped over.

Getting there:
From Highway 99 in Modesto, take Yosemite Blvd (highway 132) for 32 miles to La Grange. From the south take highway 99 to Merced, then follow J 59 north, 30 miles to La Grange.

Put-in: Old La Grange Bridge. From the junction of J59 (La Grange Rd.) and Yosemite Blvd, travel 1/2 mile east on Yosemite blvd into La Grange, then turn left onto Old La Grange Bridge road. There is plenty of space to park in about 200 yards.

Links:
Tuolumne River Trust
Salmon Viewing Canoe Trips
Turlock Lake State Park
Fish restoration information.
Friends of the Tuolumne
Stanislaus Bird information.

Old La Grange Bridge , mile 0 google map
River access on both north and south sides of the river.
37.6664, -120.4615
New La Grange Bridge, Mile .55
Riffle, Mile .77
Riffle, mile 2.30
Basso Bridge boat ramp, Mile 2.69 Parking, picnic areas and a boat ramp.
37.6471, -120.4943
Turlock Lake State Park Campgrounds, Mile 8.66 google map
Good river access at campgrounds. Fees: $20 for camping or $6.00 per car, day use.
37.6315, -120.5839
Roberts Ferry Road, Mile 10.71
Reported to be poor river access.
37.6362 , -120.6183
Oakdale Waterford Highway, Mile 19.0

Unknown river access options
37.6361 , -120.7585
Fox Grove River Access, Mile 24.44
Parking areas and boat ramps.
37.6193 , -120.8429

Similar River Sections:
American in Sacramento
Merced near Snelling
San Joaquin below Friant
Kings below Pine Flat
Kaweah near Woodlake