Clavey
2) Lower Bridge to Ward's Ferry, Tuolumne River(Lower Clavey)
May 14, 2020
Trip Report
| Reporter | William Boyer |
The road to the lower bridge is now closed for good, and the only real option for this run is to put on at the Cottonwood Road bridge (upper section put in) for a 2-day. Although similar in mileage, the upper section will take significantly less time than the lower: about 2-4 hrs for the upper and a full day for the lower + paddle out on the T.
Flows for the upper section should feel somewhat low when you put on. If it feels high or padded out, then the lower will likely be too stout. There is a notable overhung rock on river left, in the eddy at the bottom of the rapid under the bridge at the upper put-in. We had water levels 1-2 feet below the overhang, and I would consider it medium-low flow. I would probably not put on if the overhang is underwater or very close to it.
There is a brilliant campsite at the end of the upper run, on a huge slab of rock on river left, about 1/8 of a mile below the now closed bridge. In addition to being a very comfortable slab, the rock contains numerous indigenous grind holes, clustered in one location. There is another campsite about 4 miles into the lower run, on river right, marked by a tire hanging on a tree. Getting there will require passing about 20 of the best class 5 rapids, and I would not consider it to be a quick 4 miles.