Basics
- River:
- East Fork Carson River
- Class:
- Class II to III
- Suitability:
- Raft
- River Length
- 27 miles
- Time:
- 2-3 Days
- Season:
- May to June
Description
The East Fork of the Carson River is considered one of the best beginner-intermediate whitewater runs in the state of California. The East Fork drains the drier eastern side of the majestic Sierra Range, making for a shorter boating season through unique, high desert scenery not typical of most California rivers.
Two distinct sections exist on the East Fork, though they are typically run together as a multi-day trip. At the start of the run the river plummets through continuous intermediate Class III waters through high alpine forest and then spills into the high desert plateau Wilderness Stretch and eases to beginner level Class I-II+.
The scenery of the East Fork is unsurpassed with clutches of snowcapped peaks rising abruptly from the river valley and bubbling hot springs along the way, an understandably popular diversion. The East Fork only runs in mid-spring, offering a fleeting opportunity to experience this great rafting river; 2-3 day trips are standard.
