It’s no surprise that paddling down the Lower
American River has become a popular pastime for
thousands of Californians. The banks of the Lower American River are
lined with cottonwood, valley oak and
willow, with occasional white and box elder,
and Oregon ash. This river is not the kind of
river where you're mesmerized by the beauty,
but there is an abundance of scenery along
the way. You will find colorful wildflowers
in the spring and during the cooler months.
The
American River begins with headwaters high in
the Sierra Nevadas. As the river flows toward the
ocean, it passes through Folsom Lake to the
Sacramento River, continues into the Delta, and
ultimately ends in the San Francisco Bay.
Although it runs through the highly
urbanized Sacramento area, the river is
buffered by the 30-mile-long American River
Parkway, which runs from Folsom to the
Sacramento River confluence near Old
Sacramento. There are adequate flows
released from the upstream Folsom Lake Dam,
so paddling on the Lower American River
year round is usually doable.
Below Folsom Lake, all forks of the American
River join together. The Lower American
River offers 21 miles of Class I & II
paddling opportunities for kayakers with
some moving water experience, from Sailor
Bar, downstream from Nimbus Dam, to
Discovery Park where the American River
joins the Sacramento.
If you have never
paddled through Suicide Bend, San Juan
Rapids, or Arden Rapids, first scout these
areas thoroughly from the shore. While
paddling, if you are in doubt about a
stretch of the river ahead, stop and scout
the area. Carry your boat around any areas
you are not sure of your skill levels are
adequate.
The Lower American River provides a
memorable paddling adventure, beautiful scenery,
sun, solitude and sense of adventure!Those who have
experienced paddling this magical river
count it among their most cherished
memories.
Map of
the American RIver
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