The Upper EF Carson is a roadside run that is steep and continuous class 3 (or harder at higher flows). Trees and strainers are a frequent problem, so scout thoroughly and be careful.
Take Out: There is a small take out area on river right on the downstream side of the bridge. There are some other options nearby, so scout carefully.
Put in: Above Hangman's Bridge, Highway 4 follows the river for 6 miles to near the junction of Silver Creek. It then goes up Silver Creek. Wolf Creek Road heads east up the EF Carson. There appears to be a good launching area in about one mile, just before Wolf Creek Road leaves the river. There are a number of other turnouts and good launching areas whenever the roads are near the river. Scout and take your pick. With investigation, boaters could probably launch even further upstream.
Other Information Sources: Check out the description in Bill Tuthill's California Creekin. Holbeck and Stanley East Fork Resort is just upstream of Hangman's Bridge. Call ahead for camping or to take out or launch at the nice beach there. 530 694-2229
Silver Creek comes in from the left.
There is good river access below this bridge.
East Fork Resort has two big campsites. They request that boaters call ahead to camp or to use their river frontage for boat launching/ take out. Their river frontage is not available to boaters who do not call ahead. Call 530-694-2229
Flow for the Upper is approx. 1/2 Flow as measured on Markleeville gauge. example: flow measured at 1400cfs,upper flow more like 700cfs. reason Markleeville creek almost doubles flow and it is below upper run take out. Happy Boating!!!!
The virtual gauge reported here is 1/2 the gauge reading below Markleeville Creek.
CDEC Snowplot graphs show this years snow pack in comparison to last years snowpack plus mean, highest and lowest snowpack years. USGS #10308200 is the gauge for the Carson below Markleeville Creek. Historical data can also be searched for this gauge. NOAA 5 day flow prediction Dreamflows.com 3 Year plot compares flows for the most recent 3 years.SNOTEL - Monitor Pass Provides real time and historical snow depth and precipitation data at nearby Monitor Pass.
Permits are not required for this reach.
38.6898002624512,-119.765998840332
38.6194000244141,-119.765998840332
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Upper East Fork Carson
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