Pit,

Pit #1 Powerhouse to Lake Britton

Pit 1 class II run

Pit 1 class II run
Photo of Molly Steindorf by Elain Ellsmore

Gauge Information

River Description

This river section is unique to California in that the terrain is more like eastern Oregon desert with a basalt riverbed.

Because flows are returned to the river at the powerhouse you can boat this section most of the year. If you are continuing down on a trip that started up above the powerhouse you will find that the gradient eases but in the final few miles to the take-out, the observant paddler can find several nice surfing waves. You can choose to take out at the 299 bridge or continue down to Lake Britton. This section provides a nice class II run and offers whitewater boating fun for the whole family with some waves and play holes.

Take out:
Shortly after crossing the 299E bridge going upstream, turn left onto an access road. This provides river access on the downstream, river right side of the bridge. Paddlers could also continue down into Lake Britton which starts a short ways below the bridge. There appear to be dirt roads providing access to the lake on the right side in a short distance. Roads on the left side appear to access the lake further downstream.

Put in: Continue east on 299E to the turn off for the Pit #1 powerhouse. Drive down and launch near a campground or as close to the powerhouse outlet channel as you can get.

Other Information Sources:
CaCreeks.com
Pit River Alliance
BLM Pit River Recreation Area
Hydro Reform Coalition