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  While most of the rivers in the Sierra Nevada are dammed and diverted, the Clavey River still flows completely free for its entire 47 miles of length. Yet the threat of dams and diversions continues to create some level of risk for the Clavey unless Congress moves to give the Clavey permanent protection by designating the river as Wild and Scenic.

  From high in the Emigrant Wilderness to its confluence with the Tuolumne River, the Clavey is the lifeblood of a long, wild corridor of unique and diverse habitat.  The river offers beautiful camping spots, challenging fishing for native rainbow trout, and great photographic opportunities.  God's Bath is just one of the special, unique places that attract visitors to the Clavey from all over California.

Wild and Scenic

  The Clavey River has been rated both eligible and suitable for Wild and Scenic designation by the U.S. Forest Service, but opposition from politicians has kept the Clavey unprotected.   Yet each year, more and more people come to learn of the beauty and pristine character of the Clavey and its tributary streams.

   For more than a decade, CSERC has been a leading force in working to protect the Clavey from utility company dams.  CSERC helped create a Clavey video, helped publicize its values, and worked with local community activists to build support for long-term protection.

A Diverse River Ecosystem

  The Clavey starts at over 9,000 feet in elevation, high in granite cliffs near the landmark Burst Rock.  Then Lily and Bell Creeks converge near Bell Meadow -- one of the region's premier scenic destinations.  Other tributaries join into the main stem as the Clavey flows through miles of fir, pine, cedar, and oak forests.

  Near Thompson Peak, the Clavey carves down through a rocky canyon, soon to descend through brushy slopes and oak woodlands.  Finally, it rushes out into its confluence with the main stem of the Tuolumne River at a site well known to thousands of river rafters and hikers.

  In addition to the Clavey, there are other eligible streams or river segments within the local region that also deserve special protection. If you would like to be an advocate for protecting such streams, contact our center (info@cserc.org) to join our activist efforts.

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