Rainbow Falls To National Monument Boundary river run
Rainbow Falls To National Monument Boundary
The river is known for its technical rapids, including the popular "Meatgrinder" rapid, which is a Class IV drop with a large boulder in the center of the channel. Other notable rapids include "Pinball" and "Dinky Creek Falls." There are also several sections of calm water that allow paddlers to catch their breath before the next rapid.
There are specific regulations to the area, including a permit requirement for all boaters. The number of permits issued is limited, and they are typically issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, all boaters must wear a personal flotation device and carry a whistle.
Overall, the Whitewater River Run from Rainbow Falls to the National Monument Boundary is a challenging and exciting paddle for experienced boaters. Proper planning and adherence to regulations are essential for a safe and enjoyable trip.
Plan your run down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram; rain ahead of a run typically lifts flows 12-48 hours later depending on the basin.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks -- the upstream story that drives next week's flows.
Regional streamflow levels
USGS streamgauges around Rainbow Falls To National Monument Boundary -- useful for spotting upstream pulses and gauging which tributary is contributing what.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Mf San Joaquin R Nr Mammoth Lakes Ca | 253 cfs | → |
| Deadman C A Big Springs Nr Crestview Ca | 35 cfs | → |
| Hot C A Flume Nr Mammoth Lakes Ca | 63 cfs | → |
| Merced R A Happy Isles Bridge Nr Yosemite Ca | 705 cfs | → |
| Nf Willow C Nr Sugar Pine Ca | 416 cfs | → |
| Big C Div Nr Fish Camp Ca | 0 cfs | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest boat launches, other paddle runs, and campgrounds so a day on the water can grow into a full weekend.
Other river runs
- Soda Springs Footbridge In Devils Postpile National Monument To Rainbow Falls
- Agnew Meadows To Soda Springs Footbridge
- National Monument Boundary To Soda Springs Footbridge In Devils Postpile National Monument
- Headwaters At Thousand Island Lake To Agnew Meadows
- Rainbow Falls To Confluence With North Fork San Joaquin River
Campgrounds
- Reds Meadow
- Reds Meadow Campground
- Reds Meadow Campground (Seasonal)
- Minaret Falls Campground (Seasonal)
- Minaret Falls
- Minaret Falls Campground
Fishing spots
Whitewater safety
- Check the flow before you run
- Use the linked-gauge card and Regional Flow panel above. Class ratings change with flow -- a Class III at low water can become Class IV+ at high water.
- Know your skill ceiling
- Pick runs comfortably below your ceiling. Cold-water and big-water runs raise the consequences of any mistake.
- Wear the right gear
- Helmet, PFD, drysuit / wetsuit when water is below 60°F. Throw bag, knife, and whistle on your person, not in the boat.
- Scout, set safety, and run with a team
- Scout new rapids on foot, set safety with throw bags above the consequence pool, and run with at least one other competent paddler.
- Respect the river
- Strainers, undercuts, low-head dams, and wood can kill at any class rating. When in doubt, portage.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Rainbow Falls To National Monument Boundary as a favorite, set a discharge threshold (e.g. "alert me when flow hits 600 cfs"), and the iOS app pushes the moment the linked gauge crosses.
About Rainbow Falls To National Monument Boundary
What's the optimal flow for Rainbow Falls To National Monument Boundary?
The optimal flow depends on the section and the craft. Check the Run Details panel for the linked gauge and current status.
How fresh is the cfs reading on this page?
The linked USGS streamgauge reports continuously (every 15 minutes); Snoflo refreshes throughout the day. Hover the streamflow sparkline to read individual datapoints.
What's the whitewater class?
See the Run Details panel for the class rating Snoflo tracks for this run. Class ratings change with flow -- a Class III at low water can become Class IV in high water.
Where do I put in / take out?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions to the put-in. For shuttle planning, check the Nearby Boat Launches panel and the river run operator's site.
Can I get alerts when flows hit the optimal range?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this run, set a discharge threshold, and you'll get a push the moment the gauge crosses.
Other runs near here
Snoflo-tracked paddle runs within driving distance of Rainbow Falls To National Monument Boundary.