South Yuba- 49 to Bridgeport

49 to Bridgeport has it all, crystal clear water, smooth granite, and lots of big rapids. We ran this section the first time at 750 cfs an then later in the week at 570 cfs. The higher flow was better but it was still fun lower. This run is a busy 7 miles. Our first trip scouting every horizon line took 6 1/2 hours. This time can be cut down significantly once you know the run.

Idylic view at the put-in.


The action starts immediately with a series of Class IV rapids followed by a portage. Andrew in the early rapids.


After a short lull, you enter a bedrock gorge with many great IV-IV+ rapids. Ian on one of the first of these.


The author runs another typical rapid downstream.


Ian again.


Kevin runs "the waterfall."


After the class IV gorge, the run beefs up a bit with more big rapids, and notably a set of beautiful granite slides.


Below this the big rapids just keep coming with several more drops before the takeout. This is one of the best runs that I have done and I highly recommend it if you are in the area.