California Whitewater
SANDY FLAT CAMP TO DEMOCRAT PICNIC AREA River Run
SANDY FLAT CAMP TO DEMOCRAT PICNIC AREA River Run
Whitewater Report
STREAMFLOW: 61 CFS
• Class III-IV River Run
The Whitewater River Run from Isabella Lake Dam to 7 Miles Downstream in California is a popular destination for rafters and kayakers alike. The ideal streamflow range for this section of the river is between 300 and 1000 cubic feet per second (cfs). This range provides enough water for a fun and challenging ride without being too dangerous. The river is rated as a Class III-IV, with some sections reaching Class V during high water.
The segment mileage of this run is approximately 7 miles, starting at Isabella Lake Dam and ending just downstream of Sand Flat Campground. There are several notable rapids and obstacles along the way, including Class III rapids such as Pinball and Freight Train, and Class IV-V rapids such as Hospital Rock and Legal Beagle.
There are specific regulations in place for this area, including a requirement for all boaters to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times while on the river. Additionally, camping along the river is not permitted without a permit from the Bureau of Land Management. It is important to note that this section of the river can be dangerous during high water, and boaters should always exercise caution and be prepared for changing conditions.
Get driving directions.
The segment mileage of this run is approximately 7 miles, starting at Isabella Lake Dam and ending just downstream of Sand Flat Campground. There are several notable rapids and obstacles along the way, including Class III rapids such as Pinball and Freight Train, and Class IV-V rapids such as Hospital Rock and Legal Beagle.
There are specific regulations in place for this area, including a requirement for all boaters to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times while on the river. Additionally, camping along the river is not permitted without a permit from the Bureau of Land Management. It is important to note that this section of the river can be dangerous during high water, and boaters should always exercise caution and be prepared for changing conditions.
Get driving directions.

Last Updated | 2023-12-09 |
River Levels | 1290 cfs (7.11 ft) |
Percent of Normal | 213% |
Reporting Streamgauge | SF KERN R NR ONYX CA |
Elevation | 2,850 ft. |
River | |
Watershed | Middle Kern-Upper Tehachapi- |
Nearby Camping
Location | Campsites | Reservations | Toilets | Showers | Elevation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Frog Meadow | 10 | 7,556 ft | |||
Cedar Creek | 11 | 4,895 ft | |||
Tillie Creek | 159 | 2,630 ft | |||
Main Dam | 82 | 2,495 ft | |||
Breckenridge | 8 | 6,690 ft | |||
Goldledge | 37 | 3,203 ft | |||
Hobo | 25 | 2,284 ft | |||
Panorama | 10 | 7,325 ft | |||
Pioneer Point | 78 | 2,615 ft | |||
Live Oak North & South | 90 | 2,679 ft | |||
Greenhorn Mountain Park | 70 | 6,111 ft | |||
Alder Creek | 13 | 3,894 ft | |||
Hungry Gulch | 78 | 2,766 ft | |||
Sandy Flat | 35 | 2,259 ft | |||
Headquarters | 44 | 2,848 ft | |||
Keyesville Rec Site | Numerous | 2,526 ft | |||
Boulder Gulch | 78 | 2,599 ft | |||
Evans Flat | 16 | 6,087 ft | |||
Chico Flat | 35 | 2,937 ft | |||
Paradise Cove | 138 | 2,587 ft | |||
Auxiliary Dam | 250 | 2,635 ft | |||
Camp 9 | 109 | 2,619 ft |
Weather Forecast

Points of Interest
Location |
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South Entrance Kiosk |