American River — South Fork
El Dorado / Placer Co. · 21 mi · Class III–IV
2,050CFS/ 6.72 ft
Optimal
→Stable
Water temp: 53°F — Hypothermia risk, wear a drysuit
Optimal: 800–4000 CFS · USGS #11446500
✓Rapids verified by local paddlers·
21 mi
Length
Class III–IV
Difficulty
800–4000 cfs
Optimal
1,900 cfs
Avg Flow
1,650 cfs
Hist. Median
#11446500
USGS Gauge
Auburn State Recreation Area · Class III–IV Heritage River

The most commercially rafted river in California and one of the most popular in the nation. The South Fork drops through the Sierra Nevada foothills into the American River Canyon east of Sacramento. Gorge, Tunnel Chute, and Satan's Cesspool are classic Class III–IV rapids. The river flows through the heart of Gold Rush country.

Trip sections
Chili Bar to Salmon Falls — 11 mi, Class III, most popular
Gorge section (Salmon Falls to Greenwood) — Class III–IV
Coloma to Lotus — beginner-friendly Class II–III
Notable Rapids
MeatgrinderClass III+
Early rapid on the Chili Bar section. A rocky entrance leads to a powerful wave train.
TroublemakerClass III
A large boulder creates two channels. Most rafters go right, kayakers play left.
Satans CesspoolClass III+
A recirculating hole below a ledge drop. The name is earned at higher flows.
Tunnel ChuteClass IV
The marquee rapid of the Gorge section. The river funnels through a narrow slot in the bedrock — a fire hose of whitewater.
Outfitters
OARS American River
South Fork American trips
Whitewater Excitement
All South Fork sections
American River Raft Rentals
Self-guided trips from Coloma
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPS
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10-Year Flow Patterns
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Data Quality

River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.