American
2. Hell's Crossing to American Forks
| Difficulty | III-IV |
| Length | 5.4 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 82 fpm |
| Gauge | American River Near Nile, Wa |
| Flow Rate as of 1 hour | 381 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | March 7, 2026 |
Projects
The Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests encompass more than four million acres and are jointly managed with headquarters in Wenatchee, Washington. The rivers flowing through these forests are essential to the whitewater paddling community—both as close-to-home runs for Washington residents and as classic objectives for paddlers traveling from across [...]Read More
River Description
This is a great run that features nearly continuous class III/IV whitewater from start to finish. The river originates from the headwaters in Mt. Rainier National Park and is one of the few rivers in the Yakima drainage without a dam. While Highway 410 runs along the entire length of the run, the river holds your attention making the road only a minor distraction. Dispersed campsites are located along the run and towards the end you will pass a few cabins. The most distinct drop on the run is the big headwall rapid but there is plenty to keep you busy the whole way. The main hazard is wood and you can expect to come up to a few logs that can span the channel. Eddies are few and far between so be prepared and it's a good run to have a skilled probe who can sniff out the wood hazards before you're on top of them.
While this run ends at the confluence with the Bumping River you can continue on downstream to enjoy the Bumping from American Forks down to Sawmill Flat or beyond on the Naches.
River Features
Hells Crossing Campground Put-In
The put-in for this section is at the Forest Service Hell's Crossing Campground at Highway 410 mile 83.5.
American Forks Take-Out
To reach the take-out, drive along the river to Highway 410 mile 88.4 and turn south onto Bumping River Road. You will immediately come to a bridge across the American. This is a potential access or you can continue on in to American Forks Campground and take out at the confluence with the Bumping River which is just downstream of the bridge on river right.
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportScouted the run from the road and walked around a bit. Saw nearly 10 riverwide logs requiring portages. Most in swift locations with tough eddies. Decided against paddling it.
There is a new log blocking the river with water washing over about half of it at a right hand turn - identifiable by a large rocky feature on the left and a newly shingled cabin also on the left. There is a low water channel above on the right that we took.
The log blocking at the Wall has washed out and moved about 200 yards down stream. It's now part of the larger log jam that has been there for several years.
about 1 log portage, and one hidden log about halfway through that i got hung up on and had to swim. My boat got away from me. It is a 2008 liquid logic Jefe (white) if you find it please give me a call at 509-698-5848. Their is a reward. Thanks and God Bless.
May 2011
Ran this around the second weekend of May, there were about 3 log portages, but look for things to clean up, just had flows at over 1800 so I'm thinking things will clear up. Plan to run it this weekend so I’ll keep things posted.
We ran on May 27, 2007 and found the run relatively clean. There were about half a dozen log moves requiring one to duck under, boof over, or skirt around narrow passages between branches. The situation may change as water level varies.