Slow Water

For more information on the East Fork follow this link below:

Carson Ranger District Humboldt-Toiyabe N.F.

Hot Springs!

Fast Water!

White Water Rafting on the East Fork of the Carson River

The East Fork of the Carson River is one of the few rivers along the east side of the Sierra Nevada mountains suitable for commercial and private white water rafting. The stretch of river between Hangman's Bridge on California State Route 89 and Ruhenstroth Dam near U.S. Highway 395 runs 19.3 miles through alpine forests and and passes active hot springs on its way to the high desert of western Nevada. River boat access is provided at Hangman's Bridge put-in, located east of Markleeville, CA.

  Water flows determine when the river can be safely floated.  The first few miles below Hangman's Bridge is usually swift in the late spring and early summer, forcing quick, tight turns. The canyon widens once past the hot springs and the rapids lessen. The remaining distance to the take-out (located just up river of Ruhenstroth Dam) is characterized by moderate riffles, ever-expanding vistas and beautiful scenery.

  The average boating season on the East Fork runs from mid-April to early June. Runnable flows range from 600-5,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) with drift times varying from 5-10 hours. Beware that the water in this river is very cold - making the hot springs very popular!

The East Fork of the Carson River flows through the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Bureau of Land Management public lands, and some private parcels. River recreation on the national forest and public lands are managed jointly by the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management. Additional information on the river may be obtained by contacting: 

BLM-Carson City Field Office, 5665 Morgan Mill Road, Carson City, NV  89701.  Phone (775) 885-6000.