Put-in & Take-out

Hwy 140 runs along the entire stretch of the river we run.  This makes the logistics and shuttle pretty easy.  In general, the further upstream you go the more difficult the rapids.  

Briceburg (A on the topo map). Briceburg is the point where Hwy 140 comes down canyon and hits the Merced river.  The highway crosses a bridge over Bear Creek and there is a small stone building on the river side of the road.  Take the short gravel driveway down the hill between the building and the highway to the gravel parking lot, that's Briceburg.  There are porta-potties, but no running water.

Suspension (B on the topo map).  Six miles upstream from Briceburg, suspension is the site of a former suspension bridge.  You can tell you've arrived when you see two large, two story, white wooden buildings across the river.  There is a wide shoulder on the river side of the road for parking and you'll see a short path leading down to a sand and rock beach.  There is nodrinking water or bathrooms at suspension.

Indian Flat Campground (D on the topo map). Four miles upstream from Suspension, just past the large Cedar Lodge Mote, you'll come to Indian Flat campground.  From the campground you can carry your boat across the highway and walk upstream maybe 20 yards and you'll see a small path that goes down to the river.  The alternate put-in is 200 yards up the Highway to a small picnic area.  There is parking here (no charge) and pit toilets.   Both of these put-ins are just upstream from the Motel Hole rapid.

Red Bud (E on the topo map).  A mile or so upstream along Hwy 140 from Indian Flat Campground you'll see a bridge crossing the Merced to your left.  Cross this bridge, do an immediate left and then left again to small gravel loop right next to the bridge.  The put-in is under the bridge and parking along the road just up from the gravel loop.  There are porta-potties here, but no running water.