Boulder Creek to Felton

From Boulder Creek to Ben Lomond, the run has several low-water dams. Richard Montgomery and I ran this at 6000 cfs and had to make quick exits for several bad hydraulics. This section isn't recommended. Ben Lomond to Felton, however, is a much better run with no major hazards (as of last check). This stretch is described in the Schwind Guidebook. The best place to put in is at the park just before (south) Ben Lomond. To reach it from Santa Cruz, head up Highway 9, six miles to Felton and another 2 miles to the Ben Lomond Park. Park a car outside of the Henry Cowell State Park entrance bridge just south of downtown Felton. Go out on the bridge and look upstream to see if the inflatable dam is up, the only major hazard on this stretch. This stretch has moving water with small rapids, passing through the woods but close to houses. It's a good place to teach someone how to kayak, with minimal woody debris. The only hazard is the inflatable dam, but watch for strainers. The water quality for this run improves through the season. At high flows, watch for wood and wait until after the flows have crested if possible. At the putin park there's a small ledge that forms an excellent wave-hole above 1000 cfs (6000 cfs was phenomenal). SCHWIND GUIDEBOOK