1) Caribou to East Branch Confluence

The Belden Reach is the 8-mile portion of the North Fork of the Feather River in the Plumas National Forest between PG&E's Belden Dam and the confluence of the North Fork of the Feather River and the East Branch of the Feather River near Highway 70. Caribou Road follows the Belden Reach. Prior to the construction of Belden Powerhouse in 1969, this was a popular kayaking stretch with dependable flows from the Caribou Powerhouse. Slalom races were regularly held on the river between Queen Lily Campground and NF Campground. (Charles Martin, 1974, Sierra Whitewater) Since 1969 this section seldom sees high flows, so the river bed had become overgrown, brushy and very narrow in many areas. In 2017, the Belden Powerhouse was off line for about six months, requiring PG&E to transfer water down the river in order to supply the powerhouses down stream. 2017 was also a very wet year.  The result was high flows, 2000 - 5000 cfs, which cleaned out the rvier channel considerably. During relicensing of the hydropower project impacting flows on this reach, American Whitewater was able to negotiate flow studies for this reach and the upper, class V, Seneca reach. What we found was a classic class III+, 9 mile long gem. The reach has the feel of a medium-sized creek; it has fun rapids with powerful hydraulics and some great surf waves thrown into the mix. After completing the flow study we got to work negotiating flows with PG&E. Finally, in 2004 we reached agreement with PG&E, resource agencies, Plumas County, and other organizations. This agreement includes restored flows for recreation July through October. Since 2004 the Settlement Agreement has been under review by the State Water Resources Control Board. The main issue in play here is, how to best cool down the water in the North Fork Feather River in order to restore what was once one of the best trout fisheries in California. Returning flow to the North Fork Feather River has been a goal of American Whitewater for over a decade. Along with the flows already returned to the Rock Creek and Cresta reaches, the addition of the Belden and Seneca takes us closer to seeing our goal realized. Put in: Elevation is about 2860 feet above mean sea level. From Highway 70 take Caribou Road 8 miles to just below the Beldon forebay dam. In the area below the dam, dirt/gravel roads lead down along the river. There are many options for parking and launching. Take out: Elevation above mean sea level is about 2270 feet at the confluence with the East Branch. Plenty of parking is available on the side of Highway 70 just before it crosses the North Fork and heads up the East Branch. Beware of a low head dam 1/4 mile upstream of the confluence; boaters my wish to take out along Caribou Road upstream of this this dam. Camping:  The Caribou Corners, Gansner Bar, North Fork, and Queen Lily Campgrounds are next to or near the Belden Reach.