Merals Pool Put-In

Merals Pool is the primary put‑in for the Main Tuolumne, named for Jerry Meral, an early paddler who helped popularize this section of the river. The pool opens onto a calm, wide stretch of water framed by granite and forest, giving paddlers a clear view of the canyon and boulder-strewn river that lies ahead. Parking sits on a small riverside area with room for cars and trailers, and vault toilets and picnic tables are available at nearby Lumsden Campground and other Forest Service sites along Lumsden Road. When roads close in winter or spring, paddlers can hike in via South Fork Road to reach the put-in.