Lower Stanislaus Geo-River Route
About this boat only geocache route:
Geocaches were placed by three geocachers: Team Red Jeep, GPS_MSTR and pa-11trent. Our goal was to provide a day or maybe two of fun geocaching and human powered boating. Motorized boat is allowed west of hwy 120 in Oakdale, but not recommend due to shallow spots and the numerous downed trees. This section of the river is not popular with tubers or rafters and don’t be surprised if you go all day without seeing someone. This section has no rapids, but can be swift in shallows or narrow spots. Navigating downed trees can require some skill. Portage* of boat may be required in low water conditions at some spots. Have footwear that you can get wet. Use caution, wear a PFD and especially have one on children.
This Boat only geocache route is surrounded by private property and is posted no trespassing at roads. So, please only attempt these geocaches with a boat. Access the river at McHenry Avenue Recreation Area near McHenry Avenue off of River Rd. You can exit the river at Stanislaus River Access Park, Ripon. Straight line it is 5.7 miles, following the turns of the river 11.2 miles. McHenry Avenue Recreation Area provides picnic tables, restrooms, garbage cans and fire pits. Drinking water is available at the McHenry Avenue Recreation Area. Gate opens at 6:00AM and closes at sunset. I recommend launching at the day use beach. For day use area, take the first right after passing the pay booth that is not used anymore. Follow the stairway down to beach. Stanislaus River Access Park, Ripon has vault toilets near parking area. Boat cart is recommended in Ripon to transport boat from river to vehicle. I prefer to take out between freeway and railroad trestle. There is a fairly good trail from there. To the best of my knowledge, Ripon area does not close at any time.
Geocaches on this route are three basic types:
1. Stop and beach or tie off boat. Retrieve geocache on shore
2. Boat up, retrieve cache while sitting in boat.
3. Boat up, exit boat and retrieve geocache while in river.
Ratings are based off of conditions at the time of the hide. Water levels may increase or decrease actual difficulty.
This route takes about 5 hours in a kayak or canoe with moderate summer water flow. Plan a full day to retrieve all geocaches on this route. Take a lunch, plenty to drink. In case of emergency, cell service is available along the entire route.
*Carrying watercraft or cargo over land to avoid river obstacles.
Disclaimer:
This cache location was explored and placed in the months of July and August, 2010. River flows were between 220 and 290 CFS (Cubic Feet per Second) and a level between 38.08 and 37.75 measured at Ripon.
CFS Data Ripon
Water Level Data Ripon
If you attempt this cache during any other month or year, understand that conditions may be much easier or harder than the description. Please know your limitations and the limitations of your equipment before taking on this cache route.
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