Scott Lindgren

🌧️❄️ What in the actual Sierra weather is going on?!
April 12th and we’re getting slammed with nearly 6 inches of rain down low and Kirkwood reporting up to 60” of snow up high… right after one of the hottest, driest Marches on record.
The storm door is still wide open with more systems rolling in.
Miracle March just turned into Miracle April!
What was shaping up to be one of the shortest runoffs ever now has a real shot at a semi- below normal year. Bizarre and honestly… pretty cool.
Forecasting this chaos has been insanely difficult, but I’m still calling it: Middle Kings likely going in June. Plan accordingly!
Throwback to Dinky Creek in the late ‘90s — over 25 years ago. Found this gem on the hard drive the other day. Such a special place. The High Sierra has so many incredible spots that never get old.
Who else is loving (and slightly confused by) this wild weather rollercoaster? Drop your favorite Sierra memory below 👇

Today I retired a board that’s been with me through so many good days on the water. Got it signed by one of my favorite shapers — the legend himself, Persona and vibe transcends in person. 🙏🏄‍♂️ 📷

P to B on one of the greatest whitewater stretches in the lower 48 today—with an all-time crew. South Yuba is firing right now… get it while you can, because this window won’t last long! 🙏

For the past several years, our family has gathered around a fire on New Year’s Eve—a quiet, sacred tradition that has become the heartbeat of our celebrations.
There is something profoundly magical about firelight. So many of the most cherished moments of my life have unfolded in its gentle glow. As I sit there, my mind drifts back to the countless campfires I’ve been blessed to share in wild river canyons with extraordinary people. I remember the stories we’ve told—raw, hilarious, heartbreaking, and inspiring—each one rising with the sparks into the night sky. I hear again the music that has filled those spaces: guitars strummed softly, voices harmonizing under starlit domes, laughter mingling with the crackle of burning wood.
There’s a deep, almost ancient comfort in the heat of a fire. It feels cleansing, like it burns away the weight of the old year. It heals, soothing the soul in a way little else can. In that circle of light, connections deepen; masks fall away. We let go of what no longer serves us and open ourselves to whatever lies ahead.
I’m reminded of an old truth: we truly walk through fire with those who matter most. And in their company, we emerge renewed—stronger, clearer, ready for the new year that waits just beyond the embers.
Here’s to the fires that warm us, the stories that bind us, and the people who make every moment around the flames unforgettable.
Happy New Year. May your fires burn bright, and may you share them with those you love most.

The senior citizens gather at the playground for rip down the South Yuba. With 250+ years of California whitewater under the bridge, stories could be heard far and wide throughout the canyon. So many epic adventurers over the last 30 to 40 years with these dudes. Our little whitewater community is pretty damn amazing.

South Yuba Raw! It has recently been made public that the South Yuba is expected to flow like it did back in the '90s, with months of reliable flows ahead. Here’s a blast from the past: a 2019 run down the Purdons to Bridgeport section with Benny Marr and I. The flows were on the high—seriously high—side of good! It’s such a special river, with countless runnable sections that truly offer something for everyone. I’d argue it’s California’s finest river—hands down.

South Yuba/Purdons to Bridgeport/Super High 2019 South Yuba, Purdons to Bridgeport. Flow 4.2k plus at the put in and 5.5k to 6k at the take out. Gruesome two some with Benny Marr. Raw

Ready for winter!

Feather Fest this past weekend was one for the books, with nearly 2,000 people gathering to celebrate our incredible river community. Year after year, this community amazes me with its passion and dedication. But there is one individual whose contributions stand far above the rest when it comes to protecting, saving, and fighting for the release of flows on California rivers:

For 27 years, Dave has been a tireless advocate as our local representative for the Association. Feather Fest itself exists because of his vision. He’s spearheaded negotiations that have improved flows on more than 20 river stretches across the state. His efforts were pivotal in reopening the Merced and Tuolumne rivers to paddling within Yosemite National Park, a triumph for kayaking recreation within the National Park.

Dave’s influence extends far beyond local efforts. He has testified before the House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee on behalf of river conservation, and he’s been instrumental in developing the science to restore more natural flows below dams in California. His impact on river conservation is immeasurable.

As with all good things, however, Dave’s tenure with AWA is coming to an end. He recently shared with me that he is stepping down from his position. While it’s hard to imagine the next chapter without his leadership, I am forever grateful for his relentless dedication and the lasting legacy he leaves behind. Thank you, Dave, for everything you’ve done for our rivers and community. You will be deeply missed, but your influence will live on. 🙏🙏🙏

I'm reaching out to ask for your support for Ryan Mac, who recently had a serious back injury during a paragliding adventure and is now facing a long recovery. Every donation, no matter how small, will make a big difference in helping Ryan manage his financial losses during this tough time. Please click the link below to donate or share the link if you can. Thanks so much!

Donate to Support Ryan Mac’s Recovery, organized by Brian Duffy Ryan Mac is known throughout the outdoor community for his adventurous spirit and his incredib… Brian Duffy needs your support for Support Ryan Mac’s Recovery

Well, it’s been one hell of a run. It’s hard to believe that it has been 3 years. *The River Runner* on Netflix ends on August 24, 2024. I am humbled by everyone who took the time to watch the film and to those who reached out to share their personal journeys and struggles. My hope is that when the book becomes available in the coming year, the film will find a place next to it. A huge shout-out to , , , and everyone else who made this film possible. The response to the film has been overwhelmingly positive, and for that, I am extremely grateful. As of now, *The River Runner* is still available to rent on most platforms, including YouTube, Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, etc. My heart is full, my spirit is free, and the river flows through my veins. My health is stable, and I continue to practice surrendering to the flow of life.

It doesn’t care how much you’ve done, how much you’ve made, or how much you have given back. Cancer can be one of the most relentless, unforgiving battles one can face. With a heavy heart, this one strikes close to home. So many adventures, so many incredible zones, so many rivers shared. It saddens me to stand by and watch one of my closest friends go to war with one of the most deadly of them all. Please help if you can!

Donate to Help Charlie Munsey Fight Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer, organized by Charles Munsey Help Charlie Munsey fight Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer Charlie … Charles Munsey needs your support for Help Charlie Munsey Fight Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer

Images from back in the day, pre Google Earth, topographical maps was the tool of choice for river exploration. We measured length and gradient (feet per mile) along with volume, then compared it to other runs we had done to gauge if it was worth checking out. Factor in geology, remoteness, and exposure along with a political component for good measure. This is the formula I used to rate a river’s difficulty, not the class 1-5 rating system. These images were taken with a film camera. In my opinion, emulsion film still looks better than digital imagery under the right conditions. 📸