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Rapid CA Class II

Oak Bottom (Vunxàrak)

American Whitewater 41.3749, -123.4559

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Gauge Conditions

Salmon River a Somes Bar CA Downstream Primary

Runnable: 1,000.0 – 5,000.0 CFS

Data from American Whitewater & USGS

Description

The rapid at Oak Bottom forms a great set of standing waves at a range of flows. The famed Oak Bottom Wave that was a popular play spot in the late 90s and early 00s is no longer what it once was due to changes in the boulder bar that forms the rapid's constriction but it still is a very good surf wave and is sometimes surfed park-and-play style. It's a very short downstream paddle from the parking area at the Oak Bottom River Access to the wave and the walk back up is easy.