Photo Credit  Etsuko Stone

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