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.
  • California’s 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 friendly—suitable 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.

 
 
River Finder - Western U.S.

 
 
 
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