South Fork American River

Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.

There is NO DISPERSED CAMPING ON PUBLIC LANDS along the South Fork American River.

Overview

The South Fork of the American River is considered to be one of the finest recreational resources in California. The river's rapids are relatively gentle and the countryside is rich in history. Opportunities for a wide variety of outdoor activities include whitewater rafting & kayaking, picnicking, trail hiking, horseback riding, bicycling, hunting, fishing, gold panning, wildlife viewing and other passive recreation. All of them unique ways to experience the habitat and beauty of the South Fork of the American River.

Recreation Sites:

• Cronan Ranch Trailhead
• Magnolia Ranch Trailhead
• Greenwood Creek River Access
• Dave Moore Nature Area
• Old Flume Trail Trailhead

Special Recreation Permits
- Permit Application (2930-1)

Need a Map?
South Fork American River General Map

Please read about Hiking on Public Lands

The South Fork American is one of the most popular (and most populated) whitewater river runs for rafting and kayaking in the state. The river offers short shuttles between access points, several trip options, high spring flows, and dependable boating flows during the summer months when other rivers have dropped too low. This twenty-one (21) mile river run can be made in a full day or a more relaxing two day trip for both beginning and intermediate boaters.

Put-In: Chili Bar, Henningsen-Lotus Park, Highway 49 Bridge West, Marshall Gold Discovery State Historical Park, Camp Lotus, Greenwood Creek.

Take-Out: Henningsen-Lotus Park, Greenwood Creek, Salmon Falls Bridge.

Please note: If you are not an experienced rafter, we suggest you make your trip with one of the BLM-permitted commercial companies who operate on the river. All permitted operators must meet strict standards for safety and quality of service.

History

The South Fork American also has a special significance because of the river's role in the Great California Gold Rush of 1849. In the town of Coloma and along the river is the site of James Marshall's discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill on January 24, 1848.

Be sure to come to shore long enough to visit and enjoy the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park.

And for more information, please also check out the Gold Discovery Park Association.

Helpful Links:

• Be Bear Aware (USFS webpage)
• Keep Me Wild: Mountain Lion (CDFW webpage)
• Dreamflows Home Page (River flow info courtesy of Chris Shackleton, Sacramento, CA)

Return To: BLM, Mother Lode Field Office