River Recreation Management
South Fork of the American River
El Dorado County adopted an updated River Management Plan in November 2001 to improve the County's management of whitewater recreation on the South Fork of the American River below Chili Bar Dam. The County's goals are to preserve the river corridor's environmental resources; protect the area's rural character; reduce conflicts between residents and boaters; and maintain a quality whitewater boating experience. [Current & Archive Newsletters]
Community Service Districts
Cameron Park
City of Placerville
El Dorado Hills
Warning: High River Flows
Advisory Committee (RMAC)
American River Rafting Outfitters
Annual River Use
Boating Safety & Planning
Flow Outlook
Invasive Species Alert
Shuttle Service
River Management Plan
Large Registration Group
Institutional Group Registration
River Maps - The South Fork of the American River from Chili Bar to Salmon Falls is about 20 miles long, and rated Class III whitewater. The upper or Chili Bar run is about 8 miles long. The first 5 miles contains a number of Class III rapids, followed by 3 miles of Class II whitewater. The lower or gorge run is about 12 miles long. The first eight miles contains Class II rapids. The last 4.5 miles contains a number of Class III rapids. (Photo is courtesy of Rapid Shooters.)
River Map & Public Access (in Color)
South Fork American River Map
To find out more about the South Fork of the American River area visit El Dorado County Visitors Authority or Coloma Valley
Join Our Mailing List
If you would like to be on our mailing list for future bulletins and meeting announcements, please either email noah.rucker-triplett@edcgov.us us or send your name, address, and phone number to:
River Management Plan Mailing List
River Recreation
2580 Fairlane Ct. Bldg. C
Placerville, CA 95667
For questions or concerns, please email: noah.rucker-triplett@edcgov.us
Noah R. Triplett, River Recreation Supervisor