South Fork of the American

The South Fork is the most popular rafting run in California for good reason: it has extremely fun Class III rapids. The scenery is enjoyable and it can be quite a social experience with all the other boaters out and about.

Chili Bar (Upper) - Class III+

  • Length: 12 miles
  • Gradient: 21 fpm
  • Difficulty: Class III+
  • Season: Year around (Dam Controlled)
  • Rec. Level: 800 - 10,000 cfs
  • Agency: BLM and Eldorado County Parks & Recreation
  • Permits: None
  • Put-in: Camp Lotus
  • Take-out: Folsom Lake

This run starts just below the Chili Bar dam downstream of a bridge on Highway 193. The rapid right at put-in is fun for surfing rafts or kayaks.

First Threat Rapid on the South Fork of the American RiverYou'll quickly reach Meatgrinder which is a long, exciting Class III rapid full of waves and holes. The major rapids below here are Racehorse Bend, Maya, and Triple Threat.

The final big rapid is Troublemaker which is well named because there is so much room for error. It is especially exciting because several commercial photographers hang out there and there is enough eddy space for other rafters to wait and see others get into trouble.

Below Troublemaker are several miles of fun Class II rapids. There are several take-outs in the Coloma-Lotus area, but most people choose to take-out at Camp Lotus.

The Gorge (Lower) - Class III+

  • Length: 9 miles
  • Gradient: 31 fpm
  • Difficulty: Class III+
  • Season: Year around (Dam Controlled)
  • Rec. Level: 800 - 10,000 cfs
  • Agency: BLM and Eldorado County Parks & Recreation
  • Permits: None
  • Put-in: Chili Bar
  • Take-out: Camp Lotus

A rafting classic. Most people start their day at Camp Lotus, but there is now river access downriver at Greenwood Creek. Wherever you start, you'll have some mileage on the river to warm up with some Class II rapids. Once you get to Fowler's Rock, you'll officially enter "the Gorge."

There are many rapids in "the Gorge" and the highlight is Satan's Cesspool with a big steep wave and several photographers. Your day will end with a paddle across Folsom Lake to the take-out at Salmon Falls.