About
Mokelumne River and the 1848 Gold Discovery. From the Sierra Nevada through Amador and Calaveras counties, the Mokelumne River drops 95 miles of varied character — from Class IV-V wilderness on the North Fork to mellow tailwater below Camanche Dam. The Electra Run covers five miles of the most popular whitewater, running Class III-IV at optimal flows between 500 and 2,000 CFS. Above that, the North Fork earned Wild & Scenic designation as an expert-only wilderness run with sustained Class IV-V drops through the Eldorado National Forest. Below Camanche Dam, the river settles into Class I-II flatwater suited to fishing. USGS gauge 11319500 tracks the main stem at 900 CFS average, though dam releases and snowpack drive significant seasonal variation. The 2018 Mokelumne River Flow Improvements altered release schedules to better support both whitewater recreation and downstream ecosystems.
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and access points may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level.