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Backpacker Magazine – September 2005
Paddling's Greatest Getaways
16 wild ways to find backcountry solitude and big-time scenery. All this, and you can bring the ice chest, too.
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{California/Nevada}
Perfect Hot Springs
Enjoy mild rapids and a wilderness soak on the remote East Fork of the Carson River.
If this stream were on the Sierra Nevada's west side, boaters would be lining up like frappuccino addicts at Starbucks. Instead, it runs down the east side--starting high near Sonora Pass, tumbling through pine forests of the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness, and leveling off in Nevada's high desert--leaving it to a few paddlers in the know. The 20-mile run has a short, snowmelt-dependent season, but here's why it's worth watching the water gauge: Continuous Class I-II+ rapids serve up a perfect float for beginners, and the 104°F hot springs located just past Sidewinder, an S-turn rapid midway through, will satisfy boaters of any ability. Good campsites are located on benches nearby.
Get there Start at Hangman's Bridge on CA 89, near Markleeville. The take-out is just above Ruhenstroth Dam (5 miles south of Gardnerville off of US 395). Be sure to heed the graffiti warnings to take out on river right, before the dam. Shuttle and outfitter info: www.c-w-r.com/rivers/east-carson.
Season May and June
Difficulty Moderate. This section is Class I-II; start 7 miles upstream for Class III.
Contact Carson National Forest, (775) 882-2766; www.fs.fed.us/r4/htnf/districts/carson.shtml
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READERS COMMENTS
was wondering if anyone knew my father kenneth York he guided the Allagash for years.I would be interested thank you
Although you've listed some great waterways, and have limited space for your article, you know, your readers are going to chide you about not listing their favorites. So, to add to that list of incredulousness, when was the last time you paddled down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, in Central Idaho. For raw jaw-dropping beauty, aqueous power, a wicked challenge, and a great trip, you've got to list this gnarled ribbon of water that slices through the River of No Return Wilderness. I could understand leaving other waterways off your list, but not this beauty!
Wow, I can't believe the (insert favorite) river wasn't included. This is the best! Some of the most beautiful scenery is found on the (insert favorite) river....
Wait a minute. Just wait a minute. You left out the Green River in Utah? Whether its Desolation Valley or Labyrnth Canyon or Stillwater, we are talking the most spectacular rafting and canoeing in the country, bar none, nothing even close. Please. Just my humble opinion, but seriously. Green River, for like 200 miles. THAT'S amazing.
Wait a minute. Just wait a minute. You left out the Green River in Utah? Whether its Desolation Valley or Labyrnth Canyon or Stillwater, we are talking the most spectacular rafting and canoeing in the country, bar none, nothing even close. Please. Just my humble opinion, but seriously. Green River, for like 200 miles. THAT'S amazing.
WOW! Do not depend on Larry Rice on this one. First off. The Glory Hole pictured is not even in the Buffalo watershed. Second, the LOWER section will be low in the Fall. The upper half of the river will be virtually dry. The Buffalo is rain dependent, not spring fed. Summer is hot and humid with low algae filled water. The Buffalo is my river. It is by far my favorite river and I spend a lot of time there. Obviously Larry Rice does not. I will be joining Kenneth L Smith tomorrow for a week of trailbuilding on the Buffalo. Ken will be trailbuilding in the fall. If you love trails it is a chance to be in a wonderful place extending the Buffalo River Trail.
rmmcfadden@yahoo.com.
The Allagash is indeed beautiful in Sept / Oct
but the river sections are very shallow and rocky.
You will likely be limited to the lakes.
Summer months usually have the best river flow.
Bring 100% DEET and a head net!
I cant believe yall left out the Alabama Scenic River Trail, a trail that spans from NE Alabama to the Gulf of Mexico and includes the Bartram Canoe Trail, a trail that meanders through the beautiful Mobile/Tensaw River Delta.
http://www.alabamascenicrivertrail.com/
http://www.outdooralabama.com/outdoor-adventures/bartram/index.htm
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