Class III-IV South Fork American River, CA

The South Fork of the American River is considered to be one of the finest recreational resources in California. The river’s rapids are relatively gentle and the countryside is rich in history. Opportunities for a wide variety of outdoor activities include whitewater rafting & kayaking, picnicking, trail hiking, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, gold panning, bicycling, and camping. All of them unique ways to experience the habitat and beauty of the South Fork of the American River.

The South Fork American is one of the most popular (and most populated) whitewater river runs for rafting and kayaking in the state. The river offers short shuttles between access points, several trip options, high spring flows, and dependable boating flows during the summer months when other rivers have dropped too low. These twenty-one (21) mile river run can be made in a full day or a more relaxing two-day trip for both beginning and intermediate boaters.(Source: BLM)

South Fork American River BLM Website

South Fork American River Area Map (BLM)

 

This section of river is dependent on flow being released from an upstream hydropower dam.

Dependable flows through the spring and summer, and weekend flows all year round make Chili Bar a very popular section of river. During times of the year when most other California whitewater rivers are too low to boat, the Chili Bar powerhouse still turns on at 9 AM and turns off around noon. (Source: American Whitewater)