South Fork American River Tour

Lotus to Salmon Falls, Class III

The "Lower" or "Gorge" run from Lotus to Salmon Falls is the longest stretch on the South Fork. From the last put-in at Camp Lotus (mile 9) to the takeout at Salmon Falls is 11 miles. Most of this stretch is undeveloped; much of it in the public hands (BLM-managed). It's a beautiful run.

Miles 9 - 15.7 are Class II+. Fowler's Rock, mile 15.8, marks the beginning of the five-mile "Gorge" stretch, which has several Class III rapids and a quite a bit of continuous Class II+. Much of the Gorge is narrow, with steep walls, and at high water there is nowhere to eddy out.

Mile 8.0

Henningsen Lotus County Park

River access, lots of parking, modest fee.

Mile 9.0

Camp Lotus

River left, campground and river access.

Mile 9.0

Barking Dog Rapid, Class II

A fun little surfing wave just downstream of Camp Lotus. Squirrely water, good roll practice spot.

Mile 10.6

Current Divider Rapid, Class II+

Mile 11.2

Highway Rapid, Class II

Mile 11.5

Swimmer's Rapid, Class II

Swimmer's is a great spot for raft passengers to jump in and experience what it feels like to swim a rapid. It's a clean little wave train that also happens to have a fast, fun surfing wave for kayakers like Maggie Moss (small photo).

Greenwood Creek, End of the Quiet Zone

Greenwood Creek enters on river right. River access via a trail just downstream of the creek. Please respect the riparian habitat and try not to trample the delicate vegetation along the creek. The "Turtle Pond" extends to mile 11.8.

Mile 12.2

Public restrooms (BLM)

On river right, above a nice beach. These are the only public facilities on the entire run, so don't miss them! There are also several other public beaches for lunch or camping in the next mile (no facilities).

Mile 13.9

Gorilla Rock

Also known as Convict Rock, this house-sized outcropping really does look like a gorilla head. Really.

Mile 15.0

Indian grinding holes

Mile 15.8

Fowler's Rock Rapid, Class III-

Fowler's infamous wrap rock marks the beginning of the Gorge.

At high water, the rock isn't a problem -- but the hole is humongous.

Then again some people just never get rattled. (All Fowler's photos by Sierra Shutterbug)

Mile 16.9

Lost Hat, Class II+

This is the lead-in to Satan's, not a good place to be daydreaming!

Mile 16.9

Satan's Cesspool, Class III+

Bill Tuthill shows us one way to run Satan's. (Rapid Shooters photo.)

Or you could try walking on water. (Sierra Shutterbug photo.)

But then some kids show just how easy it can be at those low summer flows. (Sierra Shutterbug photo.)

Mile 17.0

Son of Satan's Rapid, Class II+

Also known as Dead Man's Drop or Lost Lunch.

Mile 17.6

Lower Haystack Canyon Rapid, Class II+

Bouncy, bouncy!

Mile 18.1

Weber Creek

Large year-round creek enters on river left.

Mile 18.2

Bouncing Rock Rapid, Class II+

The river bends left, and this little hole river right has flipped many an unsuspecting kayak or small raft.

Mile 18.6

Hospital Bar Rapid, Class III

Hospital Bar is a big drop into a bouncy wave train at most flows -- when you drop into it the first time it's a long way down. (Photo by Sierra Shutterbug)

Mile 18.7

Recovery Room Rapid, Class II+

Mile 18.8

Folsom Lake maximum elevation

If the reservoir's full, it's a flat-water paddle the rest of the way.

Mile 19.4

Surprise Rapid, Class II+

It's actually a good surprise if you find this one uncovered -- you don't have to paddle as far. You'll recognize it by the large quiet pond area on river right as the river drops down a nice wave train on the left. Watch out for the big rock in the middle of the wave train.

Class II rapids continue to mile 20 if the reservoir is low.

Mile 20.5

Salmon Falls Bridge

Take out on the right bank just upstream of the bridge. Parking fees charged.