The South Fork of the American River

The American River Directory

Visiting the South Fork? Look for more Coloma/Lotus area listings in the Coloma Valley Directory.
Food
Government Agencies
Kayak Instruction
Lodging
Organizations
Outdoor Equipment & Services
Photographers
Whitewater Rafting

Food

American River Inn

American River Inn
Historic 1853 Gold Country Resort - Enjoy the elegance of this "Jewel of the Motherlode".
Elaborately furnished suites, gourmet breakfast, wine & treats each night at 6pm. Jacuzzi, mt bikes, gardens, games 800-245-6566

The Argonaut Refreshment Saloon

The Argonaut Refreshment Saloon
Enjoy our old time candy shop atmosphere! We serve sandwiches, soup, chili, coffee, tea, fresh squeezed lemonade, old fashioned bottled soda, cookies, fresh pie from Apple Hill, candy and snacks. 530-621-4008

Sierra Rizing Cafe & Bakery - 530-642-1308

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Government Agencies

Auburn State Recreation Area - The Auburn SRA covers 40 miles of the North and Middle Forks of the American River. It is made up of the lands set aside for the Auburn Dam. California State Parks administers the area under a contract with the US Bureau of Reclamation. 530-885-4527

Bureau of Land Management, Folsom Field Office - Managers for many of the public lands along the American River. 916-985-4474

El Dorado County Parks, Rivers & Trails - County agency responsible for South Fork river use permits and the River Management Advisory Committee (RMAC). They also manage Henningsen Lotus Park and the American River Trail project. 530-621-5864

Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park - This state park manages the North Beach put-in on the South Fork in Coloma. Site of the 1848 gold discovery at Sutter's Mill that launched the California Gold Rush. 530-622-3470

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Kayak Instruction

California Canoe & Kayak - Kayaking classes and trips since 1972! Canoe & Kayak Magazine "Retailer of the Year" 2000. 800-366-9804

Current Adventures Kayak School & Trips - Fun, safe and exciting kayak instruction for all ages! Lessons and outings on California's Rivers, Lakes and Ocean. 888-452-9254 888-452-9254

DeRiemer Adventure Kayaking - 866-529-2566

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Lodging

Lotus Inn / Café Mahjaic

Lotus Inn / Café Mahjaic
The Lotus Inn built in 1857, a two story brick building. Featuring six rooms of varying size and accommodation: three upstairs, three downstairs. Rooms have private bathroom. Morning Coffee, Tea. 530-622-9587

Gold Hill Retreat and Olive Oil Company

Gold Hill Retreat and Olive Oil Company
Event and vacation ranch at 5601 Gold Hill Road, 2 miles from Coloma. Olive Oil tasting and gifts, Fri-Sun 10-5pm. Available for weddings, reunions, retreats, vacation rental. Pool & spa. 530-621-7073

Camp Lotus

Camp Lotus
Friendly and beautifully maintained, natural setting with lodging & camping. Deli, store, 1/2 mile of riverfront. Wonderful for weddings, reunions and special events. 530-622-8672

Casita Del Oro

Casita Del Oro
Enjoy the quiet of the Coloma/Lotus Valley at our fully equipped, comfortable and cozy, new 2-bdrm, 2 bath vacation rental. It's located less then a half mile from Coloma Village. 530-621-3030

Bella Vista B&B Inc.

Bella Vista B&B Inc.
Estate property on 5 acres with a magnificent view of the historic Coloma/Lotus Valley and American River. Be prepared to be pampered at Gold Country's panoramic relaxation retreat! 530-622-3456 530-919-4777

American River Inn

American River Inn
Historic 1853 Gold Country Resort - Enjoy the elegance of this "Jewel of the Motherlode".
Elaborately furnished suites, gourmet breakfast, wine & treats each night at 6pm. Jacuzzi, mt bikes, gardens, games 800-245-6566

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Organizations

American River Conservancy - ARC provides land conservation, environmental education services and land stewardship programs to the Sierra Foothill community. 530-621-1224

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Outdoor Equipment & Services

Sky Drifters Ballooning Adventures

Sky Drifters Ballooning Adventures
Hot Air Balloon Ride Adventures. Amazing views of the American River Valley! Launching from a beach on the river year-round. Gourmet French breakfast with champagne toast included. 888-359-0484

The River Store - Sales, Rentals & Instruction: Kayaking. Rafting & Camping gear, maps & books, on/off water clothing & outdoor accessories. 530-626-3435 530-626-3435

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Photographers

Hotshot Imaging, Inc. - 530-621-0400

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Whitewater Rafting

W.E.T. River Trips

W.E.T. River Trips
California whitewater rafting on the American River since 1978 with professional guides. Group & family trips; discounts available. 888-RAFTWET 888-723-8938

Tributary Whitewater Tours

Tributary Whitewater Tours
Whitewater rafting on the 3 forks of the American River and many others. Special family trips where kids raft for half-price and other generous discounts available.
Express runs to 3+ days. April- October. 800-672-3846

Mother Lode River Trips

Mother Lode River Trips
Highest quality guided whitewater rafting tours since 1974. Half-day to three-day adventures. Beautiful private riverside camp. Kayak Instruction, Ropes Course, and Outdoor Education Center. 800-427-2387

American Whitewater Expeditions

American Whitewater Expeditions
Since 1980, 1/2, 1 and 2 day first class affordable paddle rafting adventures on the South, Middle and North Forks of the American River, from $74.00 with camping. Pool too!
Group & family discounts. Call Today, Raft Tomorrow. 800-825-3205

O.A.R.S.

O.A.R.S.
Since 1969, O.A.R.S. has set the unforgettable standard in whitewater rafting adventures on over 35 rivers of the world. 1/2-day to 3 day trips in California range from easy to epic. 800-346-6277

Mariah Wilderness Expeditions

Mariah Wilderness Expeditions
Since 1982, whitewater vacations for families, groups, & individuals. At our South Fork campground enjoy wine-tasting & river views from the deck of your deluxe tent cabin. Visit our Coloma office! 530-626-6049, 800-462-7424

Whitewater Excitement
American River Rafting Specialists since 1978. Half day trips from $179. Family friendly. 1/2 day to 3-day trips available from mild to wild. 800-750-2386 800-750-2386

American River Recreation - 800-333-7238

Rubicon Whitewater Adventures - Rubicon believes in direct passenger participation during your river adventure. White Water rafting specialists since 1972. 707-887-2452

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List Your Business or Organization!

We offer a free listing (business name and phone number only) to local river-related businesses, and outfitters permitted to operate on the American River or its forks. Coloma-Lotus Chamber of Commerce members are eligible for a full, descriptive listing. For more information, see Listing Your Business.

California Whitewater Rafting with Mother Lode River Trips

The Coloma Valley

Photo upper left corner taken on the South Fork of the American River, copyright © Mark-Leder Adams.
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