South Yuba River Area: Map

Corralled on both ends by reservoirs, the 39 miles of free-flowing river between the dams is a cherished rodeo ride every spring and a carousel ride every summer.

Busting free below Lake Spaulding, the South Yuba crashes through granite gorges, funnels around giant, smooth boulders, or rests quietly in emerald pools -- revered as the much-loved swimming hole, sun bathing, hiking, picnicking paradise for locals. And visitors. The corridor is rapidly approaching three-quarters of a million recreation visits a year.

This segment was designated in 2001 as a component of the California Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The South Yuba River State Park administers choice canyon segments including Bridgeport Covered Bridge, the longest single-span, wooden bridge in North America. A National Recreation Trail already has some of the best links along the river, and more will be added within two years. The Pioneer Trail along the ridge paralleling Highway 20 now extends into the Grouse Ridge high-mountain lakes country. Segments offer morning strolls, all-out exercise, or an adventure from Nevada City to the Sierra Crest.

Whitewater sport favors kayaks as the water levels are drawn down sufficiently after the spring thaws to dissuade most rafting enthusiasts. Kayaking is best winters and spring into early summer at the latest.

Swimmers need to beware: occasionally some venture in too early in the spring when cold water and current catch them.

Fishing for rainbows and Brown trout is best before water temperatures warm up each summer and fish ignore most efforts to lure them out of deep pools. Plus, residual mercury level from the Gold Rush is found at sufficient levels that anglers are advised to limit numbers of fish consumed.

The website www.southyubariver.com includes aerial photos and planning maps for the South Yuba River Management Plan.