Putting Goodwin Canyon on the California Rafting Map

Once the California rafting season rolls into its second half and river guides’ Chaco tan lines become as sharp as their lunchtime vegetable-slicing skills, the riverside chatter starts turning toward Goodwin Canyon. Known for its Disneyland-named rapids and unusual canyon views, Goodwin Canyon is a favorite fall rafting river among guests and guides alike. But what or who is this stretch of Class 4+ whitewater named after? Why is October the best time to raft here? It all has to do with the source and the purpose of the water – irrigation and salmon are at the heart of it. Let’s dive in!

Goodwin Canyon is a section of the Stanislaus River located on the border of California’s Central Valley and the Sierra Nevada foothills. The entire Stanislaus River can be divided into two segments. The upper part, which includes the South, Middle, and North Fork of the Stanislaus, and the Lower Stanislaus beginning below the New Melones Reservoir. We will cover the upper section next spring as we prepare to raft our favorite spring run on the North Fork of the Stanislaus. Today, we are focusing on the lower portion of the river.

Lake Tulloch

The Lower Stanislaus River flowing out of New Melones Dam barely has a chance to pick up speed before it again comes to a standstill at Lake Tulloch, a smaller downstream reservoir. The Tulloch Dam was constructed in the 1950s as part of the increasingly complex water storage and delivery system, managed by nearby irrigation districts to serve Central Valley farmers. The reservoir is one of the few in the state with private homes built right along its shores.

Luckily for visitors interested in Lake Tulloch camping, there is also a private campground and marina offering public water access. Lake Tulloch Campground is located on the south shore, not far from the dam and our Goodwin Canyon rafting trips. Besides lakefront RV sites, there are also cabins and tent camping available. The on-site marina offers kayak and paddleboard rentals, so if rafters choose to stay before or after their rafting trip, they can continue their adventure with more water-based activities.

Goodwin Dam Recreation Area

Below Tulloch Dam, the Stanislaus River enters a dramatic landscape rarely seen elsewhere in California. The river canyon features steep, rocky walls composed of volcanic basalt and limestone, with layers of exposed rock that reveal the geological history of the region. Less than two miles downstream from Lake Tulloch, yet another dam halts the river’s flow. Built in 1913, the relatively small Goodwin Dam is one of California’s oldest projects designed to regulate water deliveries to the growing agricultural community. The diversion dam is named after the first president of the South San Joaquin Irrigation District governing board – Benjamin A. Goodwin.

Although parking can be a bit tricky, the Goodwin Dam Recreation Area Trail offers easy access to the photogenic dam. Less than half a mile away from the GDRA signpost, the level path follows the river upstream along an old irrigation ditch. This ditch, along with its counterpart on the north side of the river, is still in use today!

The Link Between Chinook Salmon and Rafting

Historically, the Stanislaus River supported a sizable population of chinook salmon which returned to spawn in its cool waters each spring and fall. Over the past century, however, the number of returning fish has declined dramatically. Extensive damming and water regulation caused the spring-run to go extinct altogether at this location. 

In recent years, a great deal of effort has been dedicated to protecting the fall-run salmon and encouraging higher returns. Built before the full impact of obstructing rivers on ecosystems was understood, Goodwin Dam now blocks the salmon’s upstream migration. As a result, the roughly 13 miles of river just below are an important spawning location. Water releases from the dam are increased each fall to mimic natural flow patterns to aid the salmon’s journey. These scheduled releases not only support the fish but also create ideal conditions for whitewater rafting!

Goodwin Canyon Whitewater Rafting

The four-mile stretch of Class 4+ whitewater begins at the Goodwin Dam Recreation Area. The unusual nature of this run reveals itself right away. Because the water levels are lower for most of the year, vegetation is abundant in and around the river. Rafters may hear “duck down” rather than “hang on” commands in the early part of their trip which feels more like a Jungle Cruise than an advanced whitewater adventure. Soon enough though, the adrenaline rush kicks in. The first major rapid of the day, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride will be sure to wake you up. In between rapids, paddlers can marvel at the steep canyon walls on each side of the river which eventually open up to a wider valley. One of the cool aspects of Goodwin Canyon is that due to its shorter length and easy shuttles, it can be rafted twice in a single day! Learn more about our Goodwin Canyon Double Runs, available each October.

Knights Ferry Recreation Area and Below

The meet place for our Goodwin Canyon rafting trips is worth the visit all on its own. The Knights Ferry Recreation Area offers plenty of parking, picnic spots, and hiking trails along the river. The Army Corps of Engineers operates an information center that highlights the rich history of the Stanislaus River and the surrounding area. The star attraction, though, is undoubtedly the Knights Ferry Covered Bridge – the longest covered bridge west of the Mississippi River. While visitors can no longer walk across it due to its deteriorating condition, Goodwin Canyon rafters get the unique chance to float beneath it just before take-out!

From the Knights Ferry Recreation Area, the river takes on a much tamer character as it flows downstream. During the summer months, when water levels are lower, you can rent a raft or inflatable kayak from local concessionaires. Navigating the gentle riffles yourself will surely give you a new appreciation for the skill of professional river guides. As the Stanislaus River meanders toward the flatlands of California’s Central Valley, several riverside parks offer more recreational opportunities. Eventually, the Stanislaus meets the San Joaquin River southwest of Ripon, not far from the Tuolumne River confluence.

Goodwin Canyon may not be as well-known as some other California rafting destinations, but its mix of challenging whitewater, unique canyon scenery, and ecological significance make it a standout experience. With water releases timed to support both salmon runs and rafting thrills, October is the prime time for a visit. Ready to explore this hidden gem? Let’s get you on the river!

Lenka Bostian

Lenka started working for All-Outdoors in the summer of 2005 when she followed her heart from her native Czech Republic out to California. After graduating college in Prague, she packed up her degree in International Business and moved across the pond for good. She’s been part of the AO family ever since, wearing different hats along the way. Besides trail running, tennis, and traveling, Lenka enjoys rafting and camping on the South Fork with her hubby (former AO guide) and their twin boys.