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A view of the Mokelumne River. (Brian Feulner/News-Sentinel)

A Trip on the Mokelumne River

Something new to see on every mile of the river

By Matt Brown
News-Sentinel Staff Writer

It begins as just a trickle high in the Sierra Nevada and ends among the tangled web of waterways in the San Joaquin Delta. Along the way, the 160-mile long Mokelumne River floats lazily past Lodi and provides recreation opportunities for residents and visitors in five counties.

A Miwok name meaning "people of the fishnet," the Mokelumne's salmon and trout-filled waters are popular with modern-day anglers. Steep, thrilling whitewater and calm, flat reservoirs provide action for boaters and paddlers of all skill levels.

At mile 160, the mighty Mokelumne begins as just a drip of snowmelt off 9,000-foot Folger Peak near Ebbets Pass in Alpine County.

As it heads west through Eldorado National Forest, it picks up force and becomes a paddler's paradise. Nearly 25 miles of Class V whitewater begins here, with what American Whitewater calls "several miles of jamming, rock-dodging, multi-rapid, fast-paced Sierra action that eventually gives way to one of California's most treasured gems."

At mile 125, the river reaches the first of seven dams at Salt Springs Reservoir. A Pacific Gas and Electric hydroelectric power plant at the reservoir belies the river's function as more than just a recreation destination. This and other dams along the river provide power and drinking water for millions of Northern California residents.

The Calaveras County town of Mokelumne Hill, at mile 90, is a glimpse into California's Gold Rush era and is a popular stop for antiques and 19th-century architecture. The Mokelumne River Lodge and Spa offers rooms with views of the river and rejuvenating massages.

Pardee Reservoir, at mile 75, is the first of two large man-made lakes on the Mokelumne.

The lake is stocked with bass, catfish, salmon and 25,000 pounds of trout. The Pardee Lake Recreation Area has camping sites, boat ramps and a marina where fishing permits can be purchased for $3.50 per day.

About 15 miles down river from Pardee is Camanche Reservoir, a 12-square-mile, man-made lake also teeming with fish. A salmon hatchery and fish ladder at the lake provides visitors an interesting look into the salmon spawning process.

From this reservoir, it's a 25-mile float down the river to Lodi at mile 40. The Woodbridge Irrigation District dam creates Lodi Lake, the city's scenic slice of nature on the northwest edge of town.

Lodi Lake Park is a popular place for a calm boat ride or a hike along the Mokelumne's serpentine banks.

Another 20 miles of flat water takes the river to Walnut Grove at mile 20, and the start of the San Joaquin Delta.

Here the Mokelumne feeds dozens of sloughs, cuts and irrigation ditches as it widens and winds its way through rich farmland.

Boaters, anglers and jet skiers enjoy the last 20 mile stretch of the river as it opens up into the San Joaquin River at mile 0 and eventually spills into San Francisco Bay.

Staying safe on the river

1. Tell someone where you are going, when you expect to return, and where to call if you don't.

2. Make sure that your water skills and experience are equal to the river and the conditions.

3. Never boat alone. Always have at least one (preferably two) other boats with you on a river trip.

4. Wear a Coast Guard approved type III-V, properly adjusted lifejacket at all times when you are in or near the river.

5. Know your limits of swimmers rescue and self rescue on rivers.

6. Know when and how to swim for the eddy.

7. Reduce injuries by wearing protective foot wear and proper clothing designed for river recreation.

8. Be prepared for extremes in weather, especially cold.

9. Know about hypothermia and how it can affect you.

10. Plan your trip and stick to your plan.

Source: American Whitewater