American
Location: Northern California, in the heart of gold rush country (about 40 miles northeast of Sacramento).
Length of trips: 21 miles in one or two days. Shorter trips are also available.
Season: April through October. The water flow is controlled by upstream reservoirs, so it fluctuates.
Weather: Temperatures can reach 105°F on summer days, then drop into the 60s and 70s at night. In May and September temperatures range from 85° to 100° during the day, 60° to 75° at night. It rarely rains during rafting season. Bring insect repellent to ward off wasps and mosquitoes, and keep an eye out for rattlesnakes.
Lodging: Campsites in groves of trees.
Boats: Kayaks, oar boats, paddle rafts.
Rapids: Class III. Clear, cold water (50° to 60°).
Special features:
- Within an easy drive of Sacramento and San Francisco.
- Californias most popular white-water river, attracting tens of thousands of boaters each year.
- Cuts through a steep, lightly forested canyon and a broad valley before heading back into wilderness foothills.
- Swimming for the hardy.
- Good trails in Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park.
- Wildflowers in spring.
- Black-tailed deer, beavers, river otters, red-tailed hawks, Canada geese, mergansers, mallards, great blue herons.
- Gentle and friendlysuitable for first-time and intermediate boaters, families, children, seniors in good physical condition, and the physically challenged who are comfortable in and around the water.
Nearby excursions:
- Folsom Lake State Recreation Area.
- Lake Tahoe.
- Gold rush towns of Auburn and Placerville.
For a list of outfitters:
- El Dorado County Parks and Recreation Division, 360 Fair Lane, Placerville, California 95667; +1 916 621 5353, fax +1 916 621 7433. Try to book at least three weeks in advance.
For more information:
- California Division of Tourism, 801 K Street, Sacramento, California 95814; +1 916 322 2881 or 800 862 2543, fax +1 916 322 3402.
- California gold rush story in NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELER, Spring 1987.
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