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There are about 28 miles of Merced river that stretches from Red Bud to Bagby which contains two sections of class III - V whitewater rapids that’s separated by a section of class II - III whitewater rapids. There are nine big time rapids and one of them named quarter mile is nearly a mile long and also a mandatory portage.
This river is very scenic and has free flowing water which offers intense challenges for rafters.
The first mile of Merced River rafting is 8 miles and extends from Red Bud to Suspension with class III - V type rapids sandwiched in between can be a difficult stretch of river. When watr levels are high around rapids like Stark Reality and Ned’s Gulch it’s not uncommon for a 15 foot raft to get flipped over.
Put in and take out points can be found at rapids Red Bud, Dry Gulch, and Cranberry.
One the next 8 mile section you’ll come to is easier then the upstream and downstream section from Suspension to Split Rock Rapid and is of medium difficulty. You can expect shallow rapids and deep pools of class II and III difficulty. The only area for in or off the river on this stretch is Briceburg right on highway 140.
On the last part of Merced river includes one class V ripid, class III and IV rapids and a mandatory portage. you can expect this part of the river to be a bit difficult, starting above Split Rock Rapid or Briceburg so you can get used to the river before the real turbulence starts. The boat access points for Merced River rafting are at Willow Placer, Railroad Flat, McCabe Flat, and Bagby on highway 49.
Looking For Middle Fork American River Rafting
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