Carson River — East Fork
Douglas Co. · 70 mi · Class I–III
554CFS/ 10.51 ft
Optimal→Stable
Optimal: 200–800 CFS · USGS #10309000
Length
Difficulty
Optimal
Avg Flow
Hist. Median
USGS Gauge
Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest · Carson River Coalition
The East Fork of the Carson River descends from the Sierra Nevada through Markleeville Canyon into the Carson Valley. The upper canyon delivers technical Class II–III whitewater in a dramatic volcanic gorge; the lower river meanders through cottonwood-lined ranch country below Gardnerville.
Trip sections
Markleeville Canyon — Class II–III, volcanic gorge
Gardnerville to Dayton — Class I, ranch valley float
Outfitters
Carson River Resort
Float trips and camping, Mexican Dam put-in
72-Hour Flow Forecast
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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.