| Difficulty | V |
| Length | 7.1 mi |
| Avg Gradient | n/a |
| Gauge | Yuba River at Jones Bar |
| Flow Rate as of 36 days | 64 cfsstale data |
| Reach Info Last Updated | July 27, 2026 |
A world class run in its own right, 49 to B is a highly sought after stretch of Class V that is stuffed with continuous boulder gardens, sweet boofs, and even a slide or two in there. While some of these rapids are on par with some of the best in the world, this section of river contains its fair share of hazards, mostly in the form of sieves.
Difficulty in this section is generally considered to be slightly less than the upstream Purdon's to 49 section and very similar to the standard Cherry Creek section of the Tuolumne. Difficulty is also highly dependent on flows, with typical first time flows being 900 to 1000 cfs. At 1500 cfs and over, things get very continuous with the consequences of a swim become quite dire. At all flows, swimming is generally not preferred.
Flows can vary widely throughout the winter/spring season, with large storms bringing high flows in the winter. In the spring, flows are heavily dependent on the upstream dam, and can be a bit unpredictable. The California Nevada River Forecast Center has a great forecast page that incorporates scheduled flows from the upstream dam operators, and is a good place to start.
Access:
Put in: Parking is free here, but can get VERY busy towards the end of winter/early spring.
Take Out: Parking at take out requires a fee (or free with a CA Poppy Pass). There is also free parking north on Pleasant Valley Road a few minutes walk up the road.
Shuttle is best run on the north side of the river, and usually takes abou
...A sweet righty at medium (1000 cfs) flows.
Used to be a portage. The common line is now in the left channel, bumping down some rocks to a nice lefty boof into some swirls.
The final rapid of the continuous first section.
The right line contains a boof that lands near a sieve pile (boof then move left to avoid). Proceed with caution. Otherwise can be run in the center.
Often considered the crux of the run due to the downstream consequences (corner pocket).
Can be run at lower flows, but most paddlers will end up portaging river right, where there is a fairly defined trail up and around.
Pretty cool rapid with a namesake move.
Ask a local for what it stands for. Very unique rapid.
Sweet historical covered bridge. Can be crowded in spring.
Jan 1, 1900
Photo courtesy of and copyright by Brett Valle. Check out his excellent stuff in Boof.com.