The famous Giant Gap 14-mile run of the even more famous North Fork American River is one of California's top whitewater challenges, for experts only. Cliffs tower 2,000 feet above the river. Parts of this Class V run are so rough that you might end up believing that some of those 2'000 foot cliffs are under the water.
Heaps of mine tailings and old cabin ruins border this roller-coaster ride through the historic Mother Lode. Stop to catch your breath at the Lover's Leap picnic area, which features California's most venerable black oak, estimated to be 350-450 years old.
Some rivers are wild and some are gentle and some are an exciting hybrid of both. The American River is a hybrid. Although never so gentle as to be a float trip, a beginning rafter won't be intimidated away. Conversely, the most experienced of experienced rafters won't be disappointed.
Some rivers are wild and some are gentle and some are an exciting hybrid of both. The American River is a hybrid. Although never so gentle as to be a float trip, a beginning rafter won't be intimidated away. Conversely, the most experienced of experienced rafters won't be disappointed.
River Details
Setting:
Mountains
Class:
Class III - V
River Length
15 miles
Time
Full Day
Season:
April to June
Nearest Town
Grass Valley
Guides Available?
Yes
Camping Info
Several Campgrounds Available
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
Take U.S. 50 to the town of Placerville, then follow Hwy 49 to Hwy. 193 to the Chili BarReservoir. Highway 49 also runs through Coloma for river access at the state historic park.
We also have the following visitor guides in Idaho. Click on any additional guides you would like to receive.
Bear Lake Northern Utah
Bear Lake
Northern UtahBear Lake Valley lies on the border of Utah and Idaho, and is home to the "Caribbean of the Rockies", or Bear Lake. Visitors can enjoy a myriad of outdoor activities throughout the entire year. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Idaho High Country Southeast Idaho
Idaho High Country
Southeast IdahoBear Lake and Lava Hot Spring are found in Southeast Idaho, both exciting destinations for travelers from all over. Bear Lake is often called the "Caribbean of the Rockies" due to its vibrant blue color. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Box Elder County Northern Utah
Box Elder County
Northern UtahBox Elder County is known as a land of contrasts. Visit the the quaint and beautiful town of Brigham City, or get outside and experience any number of outdoor activities within scenic Box Elder County. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Visit Idaho Idaho
Visit Idaho
IdahoStart planning your Idaho adventure. Vacation is more than just scenery; it’s about making life long memories. Download or order the free Idaho Travel Guide here. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Visit Pocatello Southeast Idaho
Visit Pocatello
Southeast IdahoChallenging rock-climbing, world-class mountain bike trails, disc golf courses and an active Greenway are some of the outdoor offerings right in Pocatello. Learn to squeegee at the world’s only Museum of Clean, stand in awe of saber tooth cats and giant bison at the Idaho Museum of Natural History, float the lazy river at the aquatic center, shop charming Old Town, or see Grizzlies and the animals of Yellowstone up-close at the Pocatello Zoo. Between Salt Lake City and Yellowstone National Park on I-15, it’s an ideal place to spend the night. Visit Pocatello for fantastic dining, attractions, events and lodging. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Discover Wood River Valley - Sun Valley Mountains
Discover Wood River Valley - Sun Valley
Mountains All the Best Adventures
For those with a High Altitude Attitude. Discover our Award Winning Visitor’s Guide Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
We also have visitor guides available in states highlighted in blue below. Click on any state to see what's available.
Alaska
Arizona
California
Canada
Colorado
Hawaii
Idaho
Louisiana
Michigan
Montana
Nevada
New Mexico
Ohio
Oregon
Texas
Utah
Washington
Wyoming
Switch to Mobile Browser Mode
We offer a compact version of Go-Idaho for mobile users, allowing you to access just the information you need on the road. Of course, you can still use the full version of Go-Idaho on your mobile device just as you can on your desktop.