American, S. Fork, California, US

8. The Gorge (Greenwood Creek to Folsom Reservoir)

South Fork Gorge

South Fork Gorge
Photo by Thomas O'Keefe © taken 11/12/17 @ 1000 cfs

Gauge Information

River Description

From the put in, class 2 rapids start off immediately, but then long stretches of slow, flat water separate the few rapids. The scenery is pleasant oak woodlands, grassy hillsides, or brushy chapparal. There are a few islands with interesting side channels for those with small enough boats and exploratory spirits. Once into the Gorge, the scenery is beautiful with wild cliffs and rocks channeling the river. The Gorge is distinctly different than the Chili Bar section rapids. Rapids in the gorge tend to be narrow, deep and turbulent. In the Haystack canyons, the wave trains seem to go on forever. 

The Gorge is often the first Class III run for Sacramento and San Francisco area boaters. It is somewhat easier than Chili Bar and has a much more gradual warm up with many class 2 and easier rapids before boaters reach the actual gorge. On the other hand more advanced boaters may complain about these long stretches of flat water and mild rapids on the approach to the bigger rapids in the gorge. 

Following Chili Bar, The Gorge is the most popular commercial run in the state.   There will be lots of other rafts and kayaks on the river and each boat must show consideration for others. Kayakers will have to weave their way through rafts at times.  Raft guides need to acknowledge each other and give enough space so that others can maneuver. 

During spring high flows (>3500 cfs), Fowler's Rock and Satan's Cesspool can easily flip rafts. At normal summer flows (1200-1500 cfs),  rafts have an easy time, but novice kayakers are challanged. Flips and swims are common for kayakers at Satan's and at Bouncing Rock. 

Put-in: Greenwood Creek River Access area on Highway 49, west of Coloma.  BLM developed this area in 2005 by paving a large parking area with 40 slots. There are toilets but no potable water. Boaters must carry their equipment down a trail to the river. google map. The next public put ins upstream are at Camp Lotus and at Henningson-Lotus park, where boats can be unloaded from cars close to the river.   Parking fees are required at both locations. 

Take-out: Salmon Falls Road bridge at Folsom reservoir. There is a large parking area on river right on the upstream side of the bridge. Two pit toilets are available but there is no potable water. There is some overflow parking uphill and on the other side of the bridge. The high water mark of the reservoir extends several miles upstream of the bridge, so depending on the lake level, the paddle out can range from a few hundred yards to a few miles. google map.

Local Clubs:
There are a number of active paddling clubs that frequent this river. Listed below are just a few. 
AW affiliates
Gold Country Paddlers.
Chico Paddleheads
Sierra Club: Loma Prieta Chapter

The Coloma Shuttle transports people from Coloma to Chili Bar in the morning and from Salmon Falls to Coloma in the afternoon & evening. If boaters use a shuttle service to get to the put in or from the take out, it can reduce air pollution, and reduce traffic congestion. As of 2017 Coloma Shuttle has a 14 passenger van and rides cost $10. A 12 ride pass costs $100. Reservations are usually needed for weekends. Call (530) 303-2404 to make reservations. The Coloma Shuttle is operated by the non-profit American River Recreation Association (ARRA).

Rafter's Toe 530-622-9655, in Coloma, can tow rafts from the end of the river across Folsom Lake to the Salmon Falls take out. Call ahead for prices and schedule.

Other Information Sources:
The American River Conservancy
Protect American River Parkways works to protect the North and Middle forks of the American River.
BLM Mother Lode Office manages much of the public land along this river. Phone: (916) 941-3101
cacreeks.com   Bill Tuthill's excellent online river guide. 
The American River Page has a wide range of information about the river and the region, including a forum and photo gallery.
The River Store in Lotus often has up to the minute information about the river.
boof.com has a forum that is especially popular with expert kayakers.