Emerald Pools (South Yuba River)
UnverifiedBeginner (0-30 ft)Intermediate (31-60 ft)Expert (60+ ft)39.32130, -120.65580
Confirmed by 0 jumpers
The best-known cliff-jumping hole in Northern California: a chain of granite pools on the upper South Yuba off Bowman Lake Road, 30 minutes east of Nevada City. The upper pool has a rope swing; the lower pool below the falls has walls from 20 feet up to 70-plus for the experienced.
Jumps at this location
Upper pool ledges
20 ft
Beginner (0-30 ft)
Lower pool mid wall
40 ft
Intermediate (31-60 ft)
Lower pool high wall
70 ft
Expert (60+ ft)
Warnings
Remote with no cell service and a steep carry-out. The high wall needs a full pool to be deep enough. Multiple serious injuries here every summer; scout every landing.
Access
I-80 to SR 20, then Bowman Lake Road (FR 18) north past Camp Spaulding to the small Lang Crossing lots (fewer than 15 cars each, full by mid-morning). Upper pool is a short trail; lower pool is a scramble down the far side with no real trail. Bowman Road closes in winter.
Best conditions
Late July through September. The river runs cold, high and fast through snowmelt.