Tuolumne River
★ Wild & Scenic
Tuolumne Co. · 18 mi · Class III–V
1,250CFS/ 11.61 ft
Optimal↑Rising slowly (+30 cfs/hr)· +60 cfs in 3h
Water temp: 47°F — Hypothermia risk, wear a drysuit
Optimal: 300–2500 CFS · USGS #11274790
Length
Difficulty
Optimal
Avg Flow
Hist. Median
USGS Gauge
National Wild & Scenic River (1984) · Stanislaus National Forest
The crown jewel of California whitewater — an 18-mile wilderness float through the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne in Stanislaus National Forest. Pristine Sierra granite, Muir Gorge, Clavey Falls (Class V), and the famous Lumsden campsite make this one of the finest multi-day runs in the American West.
Trip sections
Lumsden Bridge to Ward's Ferry — 18 mi, the full classic run
Cherry Creek section above Lumsden — Class V, expert only
Outfitters
OARS Tuolumne
Tuolumne River multi-day guided trips
All-Outdoors California Whitewater
Tuolumne sections
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPSLoading forecast...
10-Year Flow Patterns
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Your Optimal Range
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Data Quality
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.