| Difficulty | II(III) |
| Length | 9.5 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 20 fpm |
| Gauge | North Fork American River Above the American River Pump Station |
| Flow Rate as of 189 days | 6317 cfsstale data |
| Reach Info Last Updated | July 15, 2026 |
The North Fork American River, now navigable down to the reservoir following the closure of the Auburn Dam diversion tunnel in late 2007, offers a dynamic and scenic paddling experience. This section invites boaters to explore its rapids and the scenic canyon while passing the eerie backdrop of the Auburn Dam site.
At high flows of ~25,000cfs the best surf spot in California forms about one mile below the put in. The flows rise and fall fast at these high levels, look for 20,000-30,000 on the gauge.
The area around the Auburn Water Pumping Station features newly-formed rapids and an artificial whitewater section, where features vary significantly with flow levels. The top wave is world class at 25-30k, but the hole below it keeps most from tempting fate.
At regular summer release flows (~1,000 cfs), the rapids at the pump station (also known as the Play Park) become a great place to practice skills. Typically, the release on the Middle Fork of the American will reach the pump station around 5:30pm and drop out around sunset. Beware of shallow rocks at summer release flows - many a cracked helmet have originated from the park.
Access Logistics:
Put-In: The usual put-in point for this section of the river is at the confluence of the North and Middle forks. To get there, take I-80 east and exit at Highway 49, heading south for a few miles towards the river. Drive past the Highway 49 bridge and turn onto Old Foresthill Road. You’ll find several parking areas along the road on both sides of the river, providing convenient access to the water. A day use fee is required to park in some areas, and can be waived with the use of a California State Parks Poppy pass. Free parking is located on Highway 49 southbound just past the bridge. In warmer months, this area is extremely hectic, with very limited parking.
Take-Out: For ta
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The put-in is at the Confluence where the Middle Fork American joins the North Fork American. This area is a popular recreation site with paid parking along Old Foresthill Road. A number of social trails in the vicinity of the Old Foresthill Road Bridge across the North Fork American provide access to the river.
The finest playwave in California at high flows (20-30k)
The City of Auburn constructed a pumping station in the riverbed to supply water to the city, which required altering the riverbed. The river is now split into two channels, with water flowing through the gravel streambed and into pumps located on river right. Both channels feature artificial rapids, offering play boating opportunities at certain water levels. A portage trail on the left bank allows boaters to scout and carry their boats back upstream. Although a road leads to the site, public access is currently restricted, and visitors must park 2 miles uphill from the river. Boaters are advocating for the creation of public parking and vehicle access at the river in the future.
The Birdsall Access is a potential takeout on river right located about ¼ mile below the Pump Station rapid (PCWA intake) near the old tunnel ending. This spot is just a short distance past China Bar rapids. The road leads directly down to the river, with parking available on the hill above.
The Oregon Hill Access on river right allows you to enjoy a few more small rapids. As of 2026, the Oregon Bar takeout is accessible by car. The carry out to the parking area is less than 1/4 mile uphill.
Access on river right on the reservoir. Using this facility requires paddling out on the reservoir.
Jul 14, 2026
As summer settles in, so do the flows on this stretch. Typically arriving around 5:30pm to 6pm, this burst of water also brings in many paddlers looking to unwind after work. Just be aware that sunset marks the closing of the State Park, so be sure to exit the Park by that time.
Feb 7, 2025
Though I'd consider myself a play park regular during the summer months, I have only run this from Confluence to Birdsall once at 3,000 cfs. It was a trip to return at high flows.
For a more extensive write up, there's a blog post below.
https://forestkan.substack.com/p/the-g-wave
And for video: https://youtu.be/zThGNUviwkc?si=nHV2zQotCa6H5HCU U
