California whitewater - Nacimiento River, Santa Lucia Range, Monterey County
Monterey
county,
Hunter Liggett to Turtle Creek section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.
CLASS I-III 15 miles
I have lived on this portion of the river for 15 years. Although you could probaly put a canoe in the river on Fort Hunter Ligget with permission from Range Control, it would be very difficult to get past the rock formations at the Shut In. There is no public access to the Nacimiento River near Turtle Creek. One would have to go all the way to Lake Nacimiento to find a legal exit. Surface flow usually stops around the end of June, and the river turns into a series of pools. Even when the water is flowing in the spring, there are significantly long sections
that would require one to portage. If one were to attempt this trip, they will be walking more than paddling, and it would be a very long day. Says Keith Richards
Whitewater rafting and kayaking spots in California tend to be more challenging than the national average,
so don't forget that rivers here are less forgiving. The nature scenery of California and the beautiful way the water current moves down the stream are in themselves reasons enough to come here to paddle. The Hunter Liggett to Turtle Creek section of Nacimiento River is 15 miles long and has been determined by American Whitewater to be a class I-III section. If you're a camper you can camp at one of the great campgrounds nearby. You might have to settle for a hotel a bit away from the river if you want to stay the night, but do book a room before you come
because it is a very popular destination. Getting some good exercise and spending some quality time in nature are sure to keep you coming back for more. The beauty of the Santa Lucia Range is a great plus for this river. Whether you're whitewater rafting or kayaking in this general
area you won't find many other paddling rivers. Nacimiento River doesn't have a lot of paddling stretches, the Hunter Liggett to Turtle Creek stretch is the only one. If you hurry you can run this stretch in a day but why not make it an overnighter, so go ahead and pack your camping
stuff.
Briefly about the general area: A wonderful location to stop at in the neighborhood of Nacimiento River is The Shut-in. Nacimiento River is commonly a pretty dehydrated location; throughout January this area sees the most rain, and July is when it's the driest.
For the period of the summertime months at Nacimiento River temperatures are typically in the 80's, and through the night it cools down to the 50's. The cold days of the wintertime come with highs in the 60's, and winter nights come with lows in the 30's to Nacimiento River.
13 miles away
The Courtesy Inn offers the largest indoor pool and spa in the area. We also offer a free continental breakfast every morning. All of our rooms are remodeled including new 27' televisions, furniture, ...
13 miles away
Experience elegant county charm in San Simeon/Canbria. At the Gateway ot Hearst Castle, this quaint hotel offers comfortable and spacious rooms. Jacuzzi and family suites also available. Courtyard roo...
13 miles away
The Best Western Cavalier Oceanfront Resort, Cambria and San Simeon's only oceanfront accommodation, is located just three miles south of Hearst Castle. A destination for discovery and unbelievable na...
Santa Lucia Range Whitewater Complete list of all the whitewater kayaking and rafting spots in the Santa Lucia Range.
All California Whitewater Complete list of all the whitewater paddling spots in California.Books about whitewater paddling on Nacimiento River, California List of books from Amazon.com that cover whitewater paddling on Nacimiento River, California.Find a whitewater outfitter in CaliforniaWhitewater Basics If you're new to whitewater paddling please take a look at this basic whitewater info.Outdoors Recreation Near San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, California Very comprehensive list of a variety of outdoors recreation in the vicinity of San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, California, the metro area neareast to Nacimiento River. Find info on campgrounds, hiking trails, ski resorts, lakes, beaches, parks, whitewater and more.
These outdoors activities are available near Nacimiento River.