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The South Yuba: Gnarliest place on the planet? |
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Written by Alex Close/Tahoe World
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Monday, 24 July 2006 |
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 Through the blistering hot western foothills of the Sierra flows a river called the Yuba, and off of that river flows the South Fork of the Yuba. Off of Hwy. 49, about 10 minutes outside of Nevada City towards Downieville is the Old 49er Bridge, a parking area and trailhead access to some of the most beautiful and entertaining running water on the West Coast.
With summer temperatures in the area hovering around the triple digits, spending the day in the cool crisp water of a crystal clear river is an inviting prospect.
A short 20 – 30 minute hike up river accesses various pools, small rapids, jumpable cliffs and underwater tunnels as well as a leisurely float back down to the car.
Not to mention the beautiful bodies of young sunbathers and always entertaining naked hippies scattered on the smooth, warm rocks along the banks of the river.
“The South Yuba is probably one of the gangliest places on the planet,” says longtime Nevada City local and hard-core river gnarbuckler Chad “Big Huck” Bartlome.
“There’s super shock-a-turbo rocks to crack off of and plenty of freshy whitewater to shimmy down,” Bartlome said.
With features both underwater and above holding names like Warbear Cavern, Acid Rock, Crack Rock, Hoights Crossing, The Toilet Bowl and the Washing Machine, there is no shortage of areas to explore.
There is also no shortage of folklore surrounding the South Yuba.
 According to local river gnarbuckler Kevin “Chief” Breton, all those who swim via tunnel under the rock known as Warbear experience a ten-fold increase in sexual vitality.
“All that pass through claim positive results,” Breton said.
However, it seems that such possibilities do not come without risk. With Sierra snowmelt rushing down through the granite playground of the South Yuba, there are plenty of places to get into trouble on the river, and tragedy strikes regularly.
 “Roughly 10,000 people visit the South Yuba River a year, and an average of three of those don’t make it out alive,” Bartlome said.
According to first time South Yuba visitor Ross “Big Balls” Duncan, the best part of the pristine water came through the lenses of his goggles.
“As a newcomer to the South Yuba, I found the most intriguing aspect to be the Yuba Scuba,” Duncan said. “I scuba around rocks, under rocks, through rocks. I like to call it the Yuba Scuba. Dig it.”
Wanna be a gnarbuckler?
 To get there go towards Downieville on Hwy. 49 (the Downieville exit on the east side of Nevada City) for about 15 minutes. You’ll see the Old 49er Bridge and a parking area. Take the trail upriver and float it back down.
Try to find a local guide – or experienced river gnarbuckler – to show you around: Without one you’ll miss out on hidden tunnels and rapids. Also, some rapids can be dangerous, and an experienced gnarbuckler will know which ones to run and which ones to skip.
Bring some goggles: With such clear water and so many underwater features being able to see under water will make the trip that much better.
 Bring river worthy footwear: Whether you fancy sandals or old running shoes, you’ll want to have footwear to hike in, climb rocks in and swim in.
Leave anything not waterproof in the car or sealed in a plastic bag: You hike up and float down, so carrying non-waterproof cameras, backpacks or whatever is not really an option.
Photos by Alex Close/Tahoe World
Top to bottom:
• Chad "Big Huck" Bartlome takes the plunge on the South Fork of the Yuba River.
• A sunbather takes advantage of one of many seemingly form-fitted tanning rocks on the South Fork of the Yuba River.
• River gnarbuckler Ross "Big Balls" Duncan shimmies some of the nasty rapids of the Yuba River's south fork.
• River gnarbuckler Chad "Big Huck" Bartlome.
• River gnarbuckler and author Alex "Mr. Gnar" Close shimmies a rapid on the south fork of the Yuba River while fellow gnarbuckler Kevin "Chief" Breton climbs up for another ride.
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south yuba user
Written by Guest on 2006-07-30 14:43:53
It would be nice if only 10,000 people
visited the S. Yuba.
It is more like 1,000,000 users per year.
I've spent 20 yrs on the river. |
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Last Updated ( Friday, 28 July 2006 )
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