Lower American River

Bird’s Eye View

The Lower American River flows through the scenic American River Parkway, but it is hardly a wilderness experience. You will see lovely river banks, flocks of ducks, and maybe a fish or two, but the most common wildlife sightings are of sunburned frat boys, squealing kids, and ubiquitous wielders of water cannons, super soakers, and good old-fashioned buckets. Most people rent rafts or kayaks for an easy day of water-fighting and floating on the water, but if you have your own stuff, by all means bring it!

Lower American River Whitewater Photo Gallery

The Lower American in a Nutshell

Difficulty: Class I-II

Length: 5-6 miles

Season: Year-round

Put-in: Sunrise

Take-out: River Bend or William Pond

Who should go: Families, do-it-your-selfers, serious water-fighters.

Whitewater & Scenery

The only true rapid on the Lower American is San Juan Hole, a popular kayak surf spot when nothing else is “going off.” The American can actually be quite scenic, especially in the evening when the sun is setting.

Read more about Lower American Whitewater.

River Flows

Consistent, year-round flows are released from the upstream Folsom Dam, so boating is an option year-round on the Lower American, although float trips are usually only popular in the hot summer months.