Water on this stretch is limited by Utica and Union Reservoirs, with Spicer Meadow Reservoir providing most of the flow. Downstream the riverbed is dewatered by Utica Ditch Diversion Dam, and gradient increases to over 200 fpm in spots. This section has been run by expert kayakers, and many rubber ducky trips have been abandoned. Eventually the north fork is joined by the middle fork, becoming the main Stanislaus that flows past Camp-9 Powerhouse. River right seems to be the easiest carry and put-in.
Several routes are possible.
A right-left turn is required to avoid The Thing, a spouting rock formation. A technical boulder garden followed by a steep falls. A turbulent chute with a big hole almost under the bridge. Upper Sequoia from above Lower Sequoia and bridge from above 5 Bridge over the river inside Calaveras Big Trees State Park. Alternate take-out to avoid class V rapids downstream, or if the dirt road to McKay's Point is closed.