Hidden high in the Sierras among giant Sequoias, Pines, and Dogwoods, lies the beautiful North Fork of the Stanislaus River. The North Stan, as it’s called for short, is one of the best kept secrets of California whitewater. Featuring massive granite boulders and some intense and incredibly technical rapids, the North Stan offers a truly intimate alpine experience. So grab your paddles, fasten your life jackets, and get ready for an adventure as we explore the top 5 rapids of the North Stan.
In fifth place is Rattlesnake. It’s a stout, Class 4 rapid that occurs right at the beginning of the day. Think of it as the river’s personal wake-up call! We’ll work our way through a sweeping left-hand bend in the river before plunging over a large drop. This is only the beginning, as we still have a series of boulders and waves to navigate through before the rapid ends.
Coming in at number four is Convulsion. Another Class 4, this rapid is made up of a long, narrow straightaway with gorgeous granite bedrock lining both riverbanks. Listen closely to your guide’s commands as you smash through several huge, splashy waves. Be sure to stay on your game, as the strength of these waves should not be underestimated.
Next up at number four is Slinky. It’s an accurately named Class 3+ rapid, as a boat-stopping hole will surely have your crew resembling the famous toy. Stay on the left side of the river before dropping your raft into one of the biggest holes of the river!
Number three: Wallet Slot. This technical, Class 4 boulder garden looks nearly impassable from your upstream approach. Keep your weight on your feet and have faith as your guide helps as you navigate the raft around the giant boulders guarding the entrance. Once you find your way to the rapid’s namesake “slot,” you’ll be rewarded with a bit of splashy, whitewater fun at the bottom.
Our runner-up is the notorious Machec’s (May-checks) Mayhem, a Class 4 rapid also known as The Thing. Your crew will work together to navigate a series of technical maneuvers up top, and then it’s “game on!” The river builds speed as you fly down a narrow, right-hand chute, then the challenge intensifies as you must complete a myriad of moves to avoid mayhem, everywhere you look!
And now, the gold medal goes to the Sequoia Sluices! This final Class 4 or 4+ rapid is made up of three distinctly different sections, making it the longest on the river by far. The first section is characterized by a sweeping left turn in the river, filled with giant granite boulders amongst a backdrop of a vibrant, green, coniferous forest. The river narrows in the second section, where you’ll see more boulders and several tight chutes. For a brief moment, the river relents before dropping you into the third section. You’ll paddle hard through a huge pillow of whitewater, and will quickly find your boat and your crew completely submerged before popping through the other side. It’s a memorable section of rapids and is the perfect photo finish to your day on the North Stan.
And presto, our top 5 rapids of the North Stan! The North Stan might be off the beaten path, but this secret stunner is packed with numerous drops & chutes, and the natural grandeur of a towering forest of giants. Be sure to take a moment amongst the excitement to soak in the tranquil beauty of this remote river canyon. If you've been lucky enough to catch this river when it's flowing, we'd love to hear about your favorite rapid in the comments. If you have any questions about this hidden gem or would like to know more about our rafting trips, head over to our website or give us a call. We’ll see you on the river!
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