For the love of paddling
Plumas County has excellent whitewater opportunities for kayakers and rafters of all levels. With classes ranging from II to V, the Feather River Watershed is one of the best places in Northern California to plan your next whitewater adventure.
Photo by FRC Outdoor Rec Leadership
Photo by FRC Outdoor Rec Leadership
Rafting North Fork Feather River
Photo by FRC Outdoor Rec Leadership
Photo by Carrie Hawthorne
Where to Kayak in Plumas County
North Fork of the Feather River
The North Fork of the Feather along Highway 70 from the intersection of Highway 89 (Greenville Wye) to Twain or Virgilia has ratings of Class II and III.
Middle Fork of the Feather River
The Middle Fork of the Feather, at its upper stretches, is gentler and has easier access. From Clio to the Mohawk Bridge near Blairsden is a slow Class I and II, suitable for beginner canoeing. During the spring runoff, class II and III rafting and kayaking are recommended from Mohawk to Sloat, or from Sloat to the La Porte Road bridge, with take-out at the campground.
The Wild and Scenic Zone of the Middle Fork past the La Porte Road bridge is for expert rafters and kayakers teams.
The renowned 32 mile, three-day trip to Milsap Bar is an extremely difficult wilderness adventure that takes experts past deep canyon walls, numerous boulders and waterfalls. Experts regard this remote and scenic stretch as the most spectacular multi-day kayaking trip in California.
Indian Creek Falls
Indian Creek Falls to the Greenville Wye is a fun class III-IV run only 14 miles from Quincy. The creek runs along highway 89 between highway 70 and Greenville and is easily accessible.
Photo by FRC Outdoor Rec Leadership
Photo by FRC Outdoor Rec Leadership
Kayaking and Rafting Seasons in Plumas County
The kayaking and rafting season in Plumas County runs approximately from January to April or May, depending on the flow. By early July, flows are low enough that it’s time to kick back, grab a beverage, and find an inner tube for short float trips on the upper stretches of the Middle and North Fork Feather Rivers.
The Feather River Festival is on the fourth Saturday in September.
Photo by Carrie Hawthorne
Photo by Carrie Hawthorne
