The North Fork of the American River is the most difficult of the three forks. Towering cliffs make up the 2000 foot canyon walls covered with black oaks and a variety of pines to set the back drop of one of the most beautiful of California’s whitewater rafting river canyons. Located off Interstate 80, near the city of Auburn, the North Fork is easily accessible with some camping options nearby and lodging at Somewhere Over the Rainbow Lodge out of Foresthill. The Colfax-Iowa Hill Bridge to Ponderosa Way Bridge Run is the most popular section and has been a favorite for California rafters and kayakers since the mid seventies. This 9.5 mile run contains many steep drops and boulder slaloms, providing some of the best whitewater rafting of the 3 forks of the American river.
The North Fork American River, with no dams upstream, is truly a wild river. It can be run by raft, canoe, or kayak in winter and spring only, when water exceeds about 900 cubic feet per second (cfs). At all levels, the river is Class IV with little rescue access. The North Fork American is a highly technical river. It should only be attempted by very experienced whitewater boaters who have seen its rapids before. A mile-by-mile guide cannot replace the judgment of each individual boater.
The North Fork is as dangerous a river to boat at low flows as at high flows. Several drownings and injuries have occurred at low flows due to underwater sieves. Above about 1500 cfs most dangerous rocks are covered and passages are wider, and maneuvering is much easier. But at flows in the 3,500 to 5,000 cfs range, hydraulic intensity increases markedly and eddies and rescue options decrease.
Don’t drive home after experiencing this fantastic trip, feel free to stay at Somewhere Over the Rainbow Lodge, 14 miles outside of Foresthill, CA – breathtaking views overlooking the American River Canyon – give us a call. Click here to learn about our lodge: http://www.thisismytownusa.com/somewhereovertherainbowlodg.php
Somewhere Over The Rainbow Lodge
