Stanislaus National Forest

Passes and Permits

Tuolumne River Permit Instructions

Permit Application

Please review this information, complete a Permit Application form and return it to this office with the reservation fee. Please submit separate checks for each trip. We shall confirm your permit, in writing, as soon as possible. If your application is not received by the Groveland District Office within seven days of the launch date, you may have to phone 209 962-7825 for confirmation. All permits must be picked up at the Groveland Ranger District, prior to 10:00 a.m. on the day of launch. Following are items we would like to bring to your attention.

Applications for the 2009 season not accepted until after January 1, 2008

1. Permit applications will be accepted after January 1 for the following season. (May 1 - October 15)
2. The non-refundable fee must accompany the application.
3. Reservations will automatically be cancelled when checks are returned due to insufficient funds.
4. Reservations for weekend (Fridays and Saturdays) launches are limited to six reservations per person per year.
5. Cancellations received less than 48 hours prior to the launch date will be considered "no shows". "No shows" will forfeit any other reservations they might have for the remainder of the season.
6. Group size is limited to a maximum of 26 people, and 6 rafts.
7. Maximum length of stay for each trip is 3 days/2 nights.
8. During the period of spring run-off, flows may be so great that boating should not be attempted on the Tuolumne River. Flow information can be obtained from the Groveland District Office.
9. Each person must wear a Coast Guard approved Type I, II, III, or V personal floatation devise (PFD) at all times while on the river and each boat must carry extra PFD. For groups of 2 or more boats, 2 extra PFDs per group are required. PFDs must be in good and serviceable condition at the time of launch. Helmets are required for kayakers and all floaters on the Upper Tuolumne.
10. Each boat must have an extra oar or paddle as applicable, and throw line. Also, 20 feet of mooring line and a coil of at least 100 feet of extra line for emergencies (wrapped boats, etc.).
11. A first-aid kit, adequate for the size of group involved, must be carried.
12. An adequate repair kit must be with each group.
13. An air pump must be carried on all inflatable boats. For groups of 2 or more boats, 2 pumps per group are required.
14. Litter of any kind may not be discarded in the rivers, along the shore, or in adjacent canyons. Burn or carry out all burnable material. Carry out all unburnable material including cans, bottles, left-over food, egg shells, melon rinds, and cigarette butts. Liquid garbage must be strained into sump holes, through a fine mesh screen capable of holding small food particles, and the particles then placed in garbage bags to be carried out of the canyon. Sump holes are to be dug away from camp and above the high-water line.
15. All trips must carry portable toilets. The only exceptions to this are: One-day trips (all types) and kayak trips without support boats. All portable toilet waste must be carried out and deposited in an authorized sewage disposal facility.
16. Wood and charcoal fires are allowed in fire pans only. No fires in rock rings or on the ground. Keep a pail of water near the fire and be sure fire is completely extinguished before leaving the site. All ash and charcoal must be carried out of the canyon. When FIRE RESTRICTIONS are in effect, you may us ONLY a portable stove with gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel.
17. Surface water should be boiled or treated prior to drinking. You may prefer to include drinking water with your supplies.

Other suggested items are: wet suits during periods of cold weather and low water temperatures, matches in a waterproof container, line knife, set of USGS maps, snake bite kit, and gear for removing wrapped boats. Evaluate your ability and equipment before attempting this river. Scout rapids before proceeding as conditions can change. Please co-operate with other users by launching adjacent to and downstream of the staff gauge. Let us know if you have any questions.

US Forest Service - Stanislaus National Forest
Last Modified: Thursday, 23 October 2008 at 16:20:13 EDT