Yuba, Middle

Trip Report: 6/6/2023, 800-900 cfs.

This is a great, action packed about 13 mile class IV/IV+ there are four rapids that I’d call V-. The run is remote, and while the majority of the rapids aren’t really class IV+, the remote nature adds to the significance of the run. The character of the run is similar to the Middle Yuba below Our House Dam. Most rapids are read-and-run so long as you’re comfortable reading and making adjustments/changing the plan mid-rapid as a number of the larger rapids have something in them that you aren’t going to be able to see from the top (sticky hole, piton rock, etc.) unless you get out of your boat. Depending on the size of your crew, boat scouting comfort, and portage number it can be a long day especially with the shuttle. For a first time down give yourself 4 hours on the water at least.

There are four major rapids that should be scouted, and could be portaged. They are back-to-back within about a mile of each other located roughly between miles 5-6. The first major rapid has two rocks dividing the channel into three channels. We ran the river left channel. Portage/scout right, boat scout left right above the channel. The second major rapid is a two-tiered drop that we scouted and portaged on the left. It looked to us like the scout and portage on the right would be easier if you were planning running the bottom drop. The third large rapid is a nasty looking ramp with some great opportunities to piton. Portage right. Drop number four we ran far right. Punch through a couple holes on their right side, then boofed a 2-3’ ledge followed by a narrow slot boof. There was wood in the middle drop making it a non-option. We portaged the first two rapids. Going back in I would scout the first big drop from the right and may have paddled it. Zero interest in the second drop.

Awetstate says the ~3 miles below the Tyler Foot Rd. crossing are class I/II boogie water. We found it to be fun II/III- that was splashy and engagin

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