Carson River

Silver Saddle Ranch to Santa Maria Ranch

Reach banner
DifficultyII(III)
Length14.5 mi
Avg Gradient16 fpm
GaugeCarson Rv Nr Carson City, Nv
Flow Rate as of 12 minutes
576 cfsrunnable
Reach Info Last UpdatedApril 28, 2025

River Description

This scenic section of river has multiple access points, several class 2 rapids and one class 3 rapid. Most of the river is bordered by private property, but there are a number of public parks and some sections of BLM land.

Getting There: This section is just to the east of Carson City.

Carson River Aquatic Trail Map

Other areas of the Carson River near Carson City, Dayton and Fort Churchill State Historic Park also offer kayaking and rafting. Be sure to scout a route and exercise caution.


River Features

Put In

Distance: 0 mi

Morgan Mill Putin

Distance: 4.84 mi
Morgan Mill Putin

Train Wreck

Class: IIIDistance: 6.39 mi
Rapid
Train Wreck

Two tiered rapids.

White Wall

Class: II-Distance: 7.28 mi
Rapid
White Wall

Black Wall

Class: II-Distance: 7.84 mi
Rapid
Black Wall

At 700cfs, it has a pretty fun surfing hole at the end.

Dam

Class: IIDistance: 11.9 mi
Hazard
Rapid
Dam

Left channel collects lots of wood.

Rocky Garden

Class: II+Distance: 12.5 mi
Rapid
Rocky Garden

Fun rapid!

Take Out

Distance: 14 mi
Take Out

Pretty gorge section of the Carson at 700 cfs. Great flow for kayak and rafts. Dam left route was blocked by a log, we went right channel.