In the heat of summer, the temptation is often to head west to the ocean, but sometimes you can cool off even better by heading east into the mountains. This is one of those day trips… to a cold mountain river in the heart of the beautiful Sierra Nevadas.
How to Get There: Set your navigation system to “Sourgrass Day Use” outside of Arnold, CA, or alternatively the “Wakalu Hep Yo” Campground. Both take you east on Highway 4 through Stockton and up into the foothills through Copperopolis (I just like saying that city name), Murphys, and Arnold.
You go past Calaveras Big Trees State Park to the town of Dorrington and turn right onto Boards Crossing Rd. This leads to Forest Rte N502. Don’t worry, that sounds like a dirt road, but it isn’t. Nice paved road all the way to the river (about 15 minutes after you turn off). About 2.5 hours from the East Bay. Although it’s a bit of a drive for a day trip, it’s worth it! You can also make a weekend of it if you choose to camp or stay in Arnold or Murphys. But getting there is half the fun.
What to Do: Park at the Sourgrass Day Use area and from there you can take a well-worn trail along either side of the river to get yourself the perfect spot to sit and enjoy one of my favorite rivers: the North Fork of the Stanislaus. The “Stan” runs crystal clear and cold from its origins high in the Sierras above Lake Alpine and Bear Valley, through the Utica and Union Reservoirs. So It has a very consistent flow rate, even in dry years.
Fly fishing is terrific for wild trout (catch and release, of course), while some larger planted fish get put in near Boards Crossing Bridge (which you may not get to during logging operations). But just bring your beach/camp chairs and set yourself along the river in a sandy spot near a deep swimming hole.
Read a book, pack a picnic lunch, take a swim and just soak up that perfect feeling of peace that comes from sitting on the same granite that formed Yosemite Valley, but without the crowds. There is something about contemplating a mountain of 100 million-year-old granite that puts daily worries into perspective. We recently parked ourselves about 50 yards from the Wakalu Hep Yo campground on the North side of the river. But there are plenty places to sit and enjoy.
If you’re really adventurous, the 5 miles stretch of river from here to Big Trees State Park is a Class IV river. There are whitewater companies that will take you, if you’re so inclined.
Foodie Time! After you’ve devoured your lunch, swam until your body has become accustomed to the cold water, and finished the last chapter of that great book you brought, you can enjoy the late-day sun glinting off the water before you pack up and head home. About 30 minutes back down the road is the small and achingly charming town of Murphys, CA. Here, gold-rush era buildings greet you with a number of nice, casual, dining options. Drive through town and walk on back along the old street. The vibe is relaxing and welcoming.
So now what to eat? Might I suggest Murphys PourHouse for a terrific sandwich selection on fresh-baked bread (and some fine beers), Grounds (red Thai curry mussels, cioppino, or maybe a mushroom risotto?), Alchemy Cafe (terrific menu… crab-bacon Mac n cheese maybe?), or Doke Sushi (I know what you’re saying…. “sushi so far from the ocean?”, but these guys are good and they source their sushi daily from down in SF.
Once you’ve filled your belly, you’ll be ready for that 2-hour drive home. Hopefully, the drive won’t erase the wonderful serenity instilled in you by this beautiful river and the lovely hospitality of the fine people of Murphys. Go enjoy!
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