Yuba River
★ Wild & Scenic
Sierra / Nevada Co. · 65 mi · Class III–IV
2,050CFS/ 62.66 ft
Optimal↑Rising slowly (+70 cfs/hr)· +220 cfs in 3h
Optimal: 800–3000 CFS · USGS #11421000
Length
Difficulty
Optimal
Avg Flow
Hist. Median
USGS Gauge
South Yuba River State Park · BLM Wild & Scenic Study Area
One of the Sierra Nevada's most beautiful whitewater rivers — the Yuba carves through deep granite canyons with emerald pools, Class III–IV rapids, and some of the clearest water in California. The South Fork's swimming holes near Nevada City are legendary, drawing crowds on hot summer days to pristine granite-lined pools.
Trip sections
South Fork — Edwards Crossing to Purdon Crossing, 6 mi, Class III–IV
North Fork — Goodyears Bar to Downieville, 12 mi, Class IV
Middle Fork — Milton to confluence, 10 mi, Class III–IV, remote
72-Hour Flow Forecast
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10-Year Flow Patterns
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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.