General River Information

South Fork American River

Chili Bar to Salmon Falls Bridge (Lake Folsom)

Difficulty: Class III+

Length: 20.5 Miles, 1-2 Days, Shorter runs possible.

Gradient: 25 ft. / mile overall.

Elevation @Put-In: 930 ft.

Drainage: 673 square miles at Lotus.

Recommended Flow: 1000-5000 cfs.

Flow Information: CDEC flow link. Inflow from Chili Bar.

Scenery: Very Good

Solitude: Good above Coloma and below Lotus.

Rafts and Kayaks: These are challenging intermediate runs. Novices should stick to the Coloma--Lotus section. Beware of high water.

Canoes: This river is too difficult for beginners and novices. Intermediates can handle the Coloma--Lotus section at low flows. Advanced and Expert open canoeists have run the entire river at low flows.

Permits: Private boaters must display registration tags available at river access points, local businesses and the managing agency.

Commercial Rafting Trips: For an outfitter please click link.

Maps: Garden Valley, Coloma, Pilot Hill (USGS 7.5"); Lake Tahoe (AAA) Mapquest

Water: Since it comes from the bottom of the reservoirs upstream, the river water remains cold all summer. Wear wet suits or dry suits until peak runoff (May- June) is over. Do not drink the water without purifying it.

Camping: Convenient private campgrounds with vehicle access along the river. American River Resort (mile 5) and Camp Lotus at mile 9.

Auto Shuttle: 25 miles, 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Logistics: To reach the put-in, follow Highway 49 to the north side of Placerville and take the right fork of the "Y" intersection. Highway 193 leads down into the river canyon and crosses the South Fork at Chili Bar. To reach the take-out, return to Placerville on highway 193, turn sharply right at the "Y" onto Highway 49, and follow it north through Coloma. About seven miles after highway crosses the river, turn left onto Salmon Falls Road and follow it to the take-out at Salmon Falls Bridge.