Class III-IVGold Country, CA
American River — South Fork
0 CFS→
Too LowAbout this run
The South Fork of the American is California's most beloved paddling river — a Gold Rush-era canyon that delivers classic Class III-IV whitewater just an hour east of Sacramento. The Chili Bar to Coloma run is the most popular stretch: Meatgrinder, Troublemaker, and a dozen more named rapids flow through a stunning river canyon lined with ponderosa pine and gray oak. The South Fork is the gateway drug for California paddling — it's where most Sierra Nevada kayakers run their first Class IV and where veterans still return for long summer days in the canyon.
Known Hazards
- Troublemaker Rapid — Class IV, powerful hydraulic on the right wall at medium flows
- Meatgrinder — Class III+, rocky line at lower water
- High commercial raft traffic on weekends — be aware and communicate with guides
- Flows above 4,000 CFS upgrade Troublemaker to serious Class IV+ — reassess at high water
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Post a TripCurrent Flow
0CFS→
stable
Too LowOptimal RangeHigh
Current0 CFS
Optimal Min800 CFS
Optimal Max4,000 CFS
StatusToo Low
River Info
RegionGold Country
StateCA
DifficultyClass III-IV
USGS Gauge11444500
RunnableNo