Darin McQuoid Blog Reviews Tutorials River Directory

Stepping Stone Guide: IV+ and -V

Many of these runs are often rated V by commercial rafters, but this guide is written for kayakers, no offense intended, and on the general scale they are just not class V in danger and difficulty. All statements from the Class IV guide are applicable. Remember that while it’s often nice to have people show you down a run, nothing will help you learn whitewater like exploring runs that are new to the whole group. 

The Cal-Salmon: Nordheimer. ** Beautiful water, lots of class IV and any IV+ or -V drops can be portaged. The road is somewhat accessible in case of emergency. Not better at lower flws; best from 1,500-4,000. My favorite of all these.

A Wet State
The Salmon River
California Creeks
Oregon Kayaking

Scott River ** In many ways a sister to the Cal-Salmon, but less pool drop. Big flow window but easier at lower flows.

The Scott River
Oregon Kayaking
California Creeks

Kidder Creek ** Relative unknown tributary to the Scott River. Class V feel with class IV consequence.

Kidder Creek

Burnt Ranch ** Flows year round. Easier low, difficulty peaks around 1,200 and lines open up again at 2,000.

A Wet State
Burnt Ranch Gorge
California Creeks

Sacramento – Box Canyon ** At high flows, around 6′ on the stick gauge.

A Wet State
Box Canyon of the Sacramento River
California Creeks

Pauley Creek ** 200-300cfs, fun low volume creeking.

A Wet State
Pauley Creek
California Creeks

North Fork American: Giant Gap * The hike in, remoteness and paddle out make it not quite a classic “stepping stone”, but still something that should be done several times.

A Wet State
California Creeks
Oregon Kayaking

North Fork Yuba: Wild Plum *

A Wet State
California Creeks
Oregon Kayaking

Smith River: South Fork and Middle Fork Gorges * IV+ to V- at higher flows.

South Fork:
A Wet State
South Fork Gorge
Oregon Kayaking

Middle Fork:
A Wet State
Middle Fork Gorge
California Creeks
Oregon Kayaking

North Fork Feather: Tobin *Summer release makes it oh so sweet. Best done below 1,000 if you are stepping up.

A Wet State
Rock Creek, Tobin, Lowbin and Cresta
California Creeks

Next Up: IV-V