Tuolumne
3. Cherry Creek to Meral's Pool(Cherry Creek)
| Difficulty | V |
| Length | 6 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 110 fpm |
| Gauge | Tuolumne River Below Confluence With Cherry Creek |
| Reach Info Last Updated | June 11, 2024 |
River Description
Cherry Creek may be the most popular class 5 whitewater in California because it receives dependable flows from Holm Powerhouse most of the summer and sometimes in the fall and winter. Many people boat this reach week after week through the summer, learning every facet of every rapid.
Near the end of the summer there is an annual but informal Cherry Creek downriver race and party. Spectators and safety volunteers spread out along the race section and hotshots paddle as fast as they can down a section containing some of the major rapids. Dates for the race are usually announced on Boof.com and other kayaking websites and email lists.
Put in: Holm Powerhouse google map. Boaters usually gather up off the main highway at Casa Loma to carpool and coordinate shuttles.
Take out: Lumsden Bridge is the first possible take out and the most commonly used one. google map. Boaters can also continue downstream to Meral's Pool by Lumsden Campground.
Good rapid by rapid video of Cherry Creek on you tube.
Groveland Ranger Station: (209) 962-7825
Cassady & Calhoun, Holbek & Stanley, Martin
River Features
Put-in
Take-out
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportAnyone know the water level on that video?
Its a great tool for a fun overview of the river.
Revised Gauge description...currently experiencing technical difficulties:
Cherry Creek is considered unrunnable at high water levels. Do not attempt Cherry Creek above 2000 cfs. During higher flow levels, Cherry Creek should only be attempted by individuals with extensive Class V experience and the highest whitewater skill-set. Commercial rafting begins in early-mid July when flows decrease to approximately 1100-1400 cfs. At this level, Cherry Creek is a steep, rushing torrent of non-stop Class IV-V+ Rapids. Commercial rafting continues into late summer and ends when flows decrease below approximately 700-800 cfs.
Photo courtesy of and copyright by Brett Valle. Check out his excellent stuff in Boof.com.
Kevin Gregerson heading backwards toward the final drop of Lumsden Falls.
Brett comments that many paddlers spin out there, as did Kevin in the picture.
Photo courtesy of and copyright by Brett Valle. Check out his excellent stuff in Boof.com.