Merced, S. Fork, CA

Super Slide, South Fork Merced

Super Slide, South Fork Merced
Photo of Jamie Simon by Brett Valle

River Description

The South Fork Merced drains the south west portion of Yosemite National Park. Its headwaters drain peaks over 10,000 feet in elevation. The river runs roughly west to Wawona (4,000 feet elevation) where it is crossed by highway 41. From Wawona the river runs roughly north west for 23 miles to the Main Merced (1410 feet elevation).

Getting There:
Take Out: From Yosemite Valley drive west on Highway 140 to the bridge across the SF Merced at Savage's Trading Post. About 40 minutes drive. Take-out Topozone Map, google map.

Put-in: Drive back east on highway 140 into Yosemite Valley then turn south on Highway 41 to Wawona. Wawona - Topozone Map, google map.


Other Information Sources:
The Best Whitewater in California (3rd ed.), by Lars Holbek and Chuck Stanley, 1998.

HERE is a good description of the run, plus some nice pictures.
Boof.com often has recent info on this and many other runs in the Sierras.
NickyB Blog Short trip report and Video
Trip report by Shanna

Photos by Nate Hunkapiller.

Other sections of the SF Merced that can be boated are:
Headwaters to Wawona,
Wawona roadside, a moderate 4 mile section.
Merced, S. Fork— 2) Snyder Gulch to Main Merced, a 7 mile class 3 to 4 section