Class IV-V North Fork American River, CA

North Fork American River Wild and Scenic River (Tahoe National Forest Boundary to A point 1,000 feet upstream of the Colfax-Iowa Hill Bridge)

The North Fork of the American River originates in eastern Placer County in the Tahoe National Forest. It flows west and then southwest, passing the town of Colfax and on through Clementine/North Fort Reservoir; it meets the Middle Fork of the American four miles below the North Fork Reservoir Dam near the town of Auburn and flows past the site of the abandoned Auburn Dam. The Tahoe National Forest manages the upper 26 miles of this wild reach and the Bureau of Land Management manages the lower third.

While the awe-inspiring river canyon is best known for its thrilling whitewater, challenging hiking trails, excellent fishing, abundant wildlife, and dramatic scenery contribute to its popularity and significance in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

The watershed a popular recreation designation. Gorge scrambling is the most popular activity, followed by hiking, fishing, and boating. Hikers and fishing enthusiasts can choose from a number of trails to access the river canyon, most of them dropping steeply from the canyon rim down to the water.

The rivers offer a wide variety of whitewater recreation opportunities, including Class IV and V reaches. While visitation peaks in the summer, primarily driven by hikers/swimmers, late spring into mid-summer is typically the height of the boating season. Generation Gap (12 miles) includes a three-mile long hike to the put in and is run by only the most experienced boaters. Paddling the next reach, known as Giant Gap (14 miles), requires a two-mile hike down the Euchre Bar Trail. While overnight camping permits are not required, visitors must obtain a fire permit to build a campfire.

River access is possible at the lower end near the Colfax-Iowa Hill bridge, or by a strenuous descent by trail from a few locations along the canyon rim. Whitewater recreation through this segment of river is Class V which means experts only, and only under certain conditions of flow. Typically, the whitewater run of the North Fork Wild River segment termed the “Giant Gap Run” is possible only during the spring and early summer.

 

For More Information Visit:

North Fork American River - rivers.gov

Section Details

Notes Please note: This river is not recommended for the inexperienced boater. (BLM)
Fishing Yes
Camping Yes
Manager Bureau of Land Management, Mother Lode Field Office
Wild & Scenic Yes
Water Trail No
Partner Information https://www.blm.gov/visit/north-fork-american-river
https://www.rivers.gov/river/american-north-fork
Description American Whitewater
Photo Credit: Bob Wick - BLM