| Difficulty | IV-V |
| Length | 5.5 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 89 fpm |
| Gauge | Slab Creek |
| Flow Rate as of 39 days | 128 cfsstale data |
| Reach Info Last Updated | July 24, 2026 |
Make sure to check out this article for the latest access situation Slab Creek 2026 Put-in / Take-Out Beta
The Slab Creek Run begins with several Class IV+ rapids that are within sight of the put-in, and continues to have a very continuous nature for the next four miles. Many of the rapids are long and require good Class IV skills. Mosquito Road Bridge at river mile 3.25 provides alternate access options. The most significant rapid on the run, Motherlode Falls (Class V), is not far downstream of the bridge.
The gradient eases after this point and the run becomes Class II/III in nature. There also is more vegetation, primarily alders, in the river channel in the lower section. Rock Creek enters on river right at river mile 5.5. The Rock Creek Powerhouse is the official take-out and is required to provide daily dawn-to-dusk public access; however, the powerhouse owner keeps the gate on the access road locked except during scheduled Slab Creek Run recreation releases.
The Rock Creek Powerhouse could provide a potential put-in providing access to the class II/III section of Slab Creek when SMUD completes a future downstream take-out. This section is class II/III with one rapid that is potentially class III+. Sometimes in winter and spring, the combined flows of Rock Creek and Rock Creek Powerhouse can add enough water into the river to provide boatable flows. Generally though, the additional water will be less than 100 cfs.
In terms of difficulty, the below trip reports are generally correct; somewhat harder than Chamberlain Falls or Edward's to Purdon's, but somewhere slightly easier than Cherry Creek or 49 to Bridgeport. For the right boater, this run is a perfect intermediary between the above two steps.
Typical recreational release flows range from 900 cfs to 1500 cfs. The run in this range can generally be considered solid IV+ with the exception of Motherlode fa
...From Highway 50 in Placerville, take the Schnell School Road exit and go north to Carson Road until N. Canyon Road. Follow N. Canyon Road to Slab Creek Reservoir road and follow that to a junction near the Slab Creek dam. Two gated roads head downhill. One road leads to the right and to the dam. The other leads to the river a short ways below the dam. Unless we can arrange otherwise, parking will be in the turnouts along the road above the USFS gates. The area by the gates must be kept clear as a turn around. Carry boats 3/10s of a mile down to the river. This will be the site of the future improved put-in.
One of the most aesthetically pleasing rapids on the run.
Mosquito Road Bridge is an alternate take out allows boating the steepest few miles while avoiding the hardest section of the river. Below the bridge several rapids get harder (as well as walled in), culminating in Motherlode Falls (class V). Unfortunately there only 3 to 5 parking spaces at this bridge. Make sure the bridge stays clear. There are some parking options further away.
Directly beneath the bridge is a long rapid aptly named 'Bridge Rapid' and is likely considered the more long and difficult rapids on the run, aside from Motherlode falls.
Below Mosquito Rd. Bridge, several rapids get progressively harder as they lead towards the biggest rapid on this run. Motherlode Falls is a tedious and taxing portage on river right for many boaters. Reportedly there is a sneak line on far river left.
The Rock Creek Powerhouse take-out is located on river right at the confluence of Rock Creek. From Highway 193 in Placerville go east 6 miles on Rock Creek Road. The entrance to the powerhouse will be the second road on the right after you cross over Rock Creek. The gate will be open during scheduled recreational releases by SMUD and limited parking is available by the powerhouse. The gate is required to be open daily dawn-to-dusk but the powerhouse owner, Hydroland LLC, ignores this requirement and keeps the access road gate locked at all times other than during scheduled releases. Walk-in access is always allowed but please do not block the gate.
Apr 19, 2025
Thank you AW and SMUD for the releases this year - at 1000 cfs, this section of river is an absolute classic. Consistent gradient, fun rapids, and challening moves. I agree with most assessments of this river - a Chamberlain type IV boater might feel a bit overwhelmed in here (as I was last year), but any IV+ to V comfortable boater will have a blast.
Additional words here:
https://forestkan.substack.com/p/capturing-the-magic-routing-v
Mar 26, 2023
We ran the short section from Rock Creek to the skinny little pg&e trail river right. Just after the start there was a larger wave train rapid that was class 3 and then it was calmer for a while but with continuous easy fun rapids. Near the end of the section there was a more difficult longer rapid, with two channels. The left channel was a big fluffy mess, with lots of waves and holes and on the right it was much easier, with less water going through it and at the end where there is a drop. However, if you don’t want to do either, you can scrape up the bottom of your boat on the left side of drop. Overall, this section was really fun and I would have enjoyed it more if I didn’t have to hike out on a really long, steep trail (please open the other road).