Carmel
Carmel Valley to Pacific Ocean
| Difficulty | I-II |
| Length | 15 mi |
| Avg Gradient | n/a |
| Gauge | Carmel R a Robles Del Rio Ca |
| Flow Rate as of 51 minutes | 31 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | December 5, 2023 |
River Description
This section is a nice float trip as the gradient is fairly low. However, much of the creek is lined thick with trees and brush. Logs and strainers in the fast current could be a problem along any part of the creek. Boaters should probably have excellent maneuvering skills, perhaps equal to class 2+ or class 3 whitewater skills before attempting this run. Paddling to the mouth is a great reward! Combine with the upper stretch for an overnight (never heard of anyone doing it, but I scoped a sandbar camping spot somewhere near the end of the upper run).
Other Information Sources:
- California Creekin
- Carmel River Watershed Conservancy
- Carmel River Steelhead Association
- The Loma Prieta Paddlers club is centered in the San Jose area, but they have members in the Santa Cruz and Monterey/Carmel area.
River Features
Put In
Garland Ranch Park
Garland Ranch is a large public park with numerous hiking trails, a museum and small visitor center, water and toilets.
There is a long narrow parking area between the highway and the river. There are several access points to the water from the parking lot, though the river banks are very brushy in this section.
Take Out
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportAnother daytrip with the previous day's upper paddle. This one was probably brushier but the mouth was a fun way to end it. Steelhead!
Photos of the Carmel River where it passes through Garland Ranch.