Sacramento River (Dunsmuir to Castle Crags)
| Stretch: | Under Dunsmuir Ave Bridge to Castle Crags Bridge |
| Difficulty: | Class II+ |
| Distance: | 5 miles, half day |
| Flows: | 500 - ? cfs. Current Dreamflows (est) upriver gauge downriver gauge |
| Gradient: | 48 fpm average |
| Put-in: | Under Dunsmuir Ave Bridge |
| Take-out: | Castle Crags Bridge |
| Shuttle: | 5 miles (10 minutes) one-way |
| Season: | spring, from snowmelt and dam release |
| Written: | © 2006 |
Stanley and Holbek say this run becomes class IV above 2,500 cfs, but I do not see how this is possible. There were no rapids above class II on our run, there were however tight channels due to artificial embankments and tight to the water trees and bushes. Therefore, I conclude that with the continuous nature of the run, the rapids themselves wouldn't be class IV, most likely still class II+, but that the consequences of a swim would be class IV. There were no pools on the stretch, so at high water (as with most high water runs) be aware of the extra risk.
As Stated, there were no distinct rapids (well maybe one or two that stuck out) but none that were harder than III- so I can't remember them. We didn't even have to boat scout anything, it was all read while running sort of stuff. I would not head up to the Sacramento to do this run as the scenery isn't very good as you are in towns through just about all of it, but if you are planning on doing the stretch below, it is a nice add on to make a longer day, as well if you are doing Box above it, though in that case it may prove to be a little anti-climatic.
Take out: Drive north from Redding on I-5 until you reach Castle Crags. Exit and drive down to the water, put in at the bridge.
Put in: To get the put in, driving North on I-5 from Redding, take the Central Dunsmuir exit. Turn left on Dunsmuir Avenue, and follow down to the river below the bridge.
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