South Fork American River Trail Nears Completion

Imagine being able to travel on foot, bicycle or horse from the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area all the way to the rural beauty of the South Fork American River in the Coloma-Lotus Valley. Imagine doing so on a trail dedicated to recreation and the enjoyment of oak woodlands, conifer, chaparral, and the riverside.

That long-held hope is now on its way to being a reality. The final land parcel that completes the 20-mile route (see a PDF map) was sold by a couple who decided to protect its natural habitat for the public to enjoy. Funds that purchased it were provided by the State Wildlife Conservation Board, the State Resources Agency's River Parkways Grant Program, and over 400 private donors. All this, plus the work that had been done on the rest of the trail route, was coordinated by the American River Conservancy (ARC).

The 20-mile trail has been 20 years in the making. Its completion is a source of great excitement for those who have been hoping and working for it since 1989, as well as the many who have come along since then and enjoy the prospect of traveling so far in the richness of nature in their own back yards.

Funds are still needed to bring the trail into reality. The ARC estimates it will cost $175K to complete trail construction and provide a few pedestrian bridges at stream crossings and interpretive signage at the trailheads. The official ribbon cutting is planned for the late spring of 2010. Contributions to the South Fork American River Trail Campaign can be sent to: The American River Conservancy, P.O. Box 562, Coloma, CA. 95613. For further information regarding trail project donations, please contact: David Morrill, ARC Marketing and Development Director at (530) 621-1224.

The completion of the South Fork American River Trail brings an even greater dream closer to reality. With regional coordination, it could become a key segment within a larger regional trail that would span the approximately 50 miles from downtown Sacramento (Sutter’s Fort) to Coloma (Sutter’s Mill). Parcel by parcel, this dream is moving to reality.

2009 Rafting Flows Confirmed!

Rafting Stimulus Package: Recent Storms Guarantee Great 2009 Rafting!

A wise old river rafter once told me that the snow pack in the Sierras is largely built by three major storms each season. One storm more or less often determines whether a particular season is normal, below normal, or wet in nature. Attempting to predict the outcome is therefore a risky business. It is wiser to relax and just see what happens. It isn't over 'till it's over.

Once again this observation has proven true. While just a few weeks ago the concern was about critical drought conditions, now, one big storm later, the snow pack that feeds the American River is at 101% of normal. Once quiescent, all three Forks of the American River are swollen bright red with runoff. In fact, the North Fork briefly peaked at 11,000cfs. That’s three times safe boating flows. Folsom Lake filled to 92% of capacity virtually overnight!

Bottom line: It is going to be another great season for rafting on the American River! It is time to get out your river gear, Spring boating has arrived.

This is another example of why drought conditions in California as a whole do not prevent rafting on dam-controlled rivers such as the South and Middle Forks of the American River. The South Fork, for example, has multiple reservoirs upstream of Chili Bar that are controlled by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) and are collectively referred to as the SOFAR Project. Because of the FERC re-licensing process that ended in 2007 with the acceptance of the Alternative Proposal, the South Fork was guaranteed to have good rafting flows this season, even before this recent storm. In fact, this agreement now provides for predictable recreational flows for rafting for the next 50 years.

Now here is the truly great news, while climate change may diminish snow pack levels in the future, and population increases will undoubtedly increase demand on dwindling water supplies, even in "super dry" years there are 5 days a week of guaranteed water flow for boating on the South Fork. That means Thursday through Monday, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, we can count on good flows that begin and end at specific times of the day, even in the worst drought years ever recorded! Furthermore, 90% of boaters would choose the period in which the flows are guaranteed anyway. That means that even in the worst of times, boating is great on the South Fork of the American. This river has the most reliable water flows of any Class III whitewater river in the West!

One more remarkable fact: The total volume of water that flows down the river is not affected by rafting. No one will go thirsty as a result of your boating the river. The only effect of this agreement was to alter the timing of the release of a relatively small amount of this water, approximately 2% of the total, with the result that a huge amount of recreation results from a relatively small change in the release regimen. This is a win, win situation that benefits recreation, fish, wildlife and also SMUD itself by building a reservoir of valuable community support. Thank you SMUD! We all hope for a similarly favorable outcome on the re-licensing of the Middle Fork of the American, which is currently under way with PG&E.

See you on all three Forks of the American River this season,

Scott the River Doc and the MaLode Crew

Thanks to Scott Underwood of Mother Lode River Center for this spring 2009 update!

April 20 - NEW DATE - 2009 Triple Crown 3 Forks American Whitewater Race

For the second April in a row, commercial outfitters and individual kayakers will be racing all three forks of the American River, competing for the best on-water time of under twelve hours. Stephen Liles, race coordinator and president of W.E.T. River Trips, says this is an expansion of last year's first race where his team navigated the usual commercial runs of the North, Middle, and South Forks in 11 hours. "This race is for fun," he described, and a perpetual trophy will go to the raft team with the best time that's measured on-river only -- "No shuttle races!"

The date has been set for April 20, when the conditions should be right, especially with regard to North Fork flows.  Registration is April 19, at Holiday Market in Cool (Highways 49 & 193), at 6pm. Liles is hoping for 6-10 outfitters to participate in the race, at a $50 entry fee per boat, one boat per company, with a maximum of 7 paddlers per boat. Kayakers are invited to compete for $10, and there will be a short and a long boat category.

The race starts at 6am at Mineral Bar/ the Iowa Hill Bridge on the North Fork. Spectators may be able to see North Fork action at Yankee Jim's Bridge / Shirttail Canyon, and the takeout at Ponderosa Way Bridge. Middle Fork viewing and cheering can happen at the Old Greenwood Bridge take-out. Folks can also go to the South Fork start at Camp Lotus and grand finish at Salmon Falls. Race footage will be available on You Tube (check out last year's footage on You Tube).

There will be an after-party, location to be announced, open to everyone. Come join the excitement and bring in the whitewater boating season. For more information, see the 2009 Triple Crown 3 Forks American Whitewater Race Facebook page. Or contact Stephen Liles at liles.stephen@gmail.com or (916) 616-1357.

Map to the North Fork trails

Got an email yesterday from someone wanting to hike along the North Fork of the American River. She was asking how to get to the North Fork from Sacramento.

Obviously there are a lot of different trailheads and trails along the North Fork, so I was initially stumped for a response. But then I remembered the wonderful new American River Confluence Parkway Map that Protect American River Canyons (PARC) recently posted. It's a great introductory guide to the popular trails and flora and fauna of the area around the confluence of the North and Middle Forks of the American River. If you can find your way to Auburn on I-80 or Hwy 49, you can find your way to some short hikes along the Middle and North Forks of the American.

You can view the map online or purchase a copy of the map and brochure for $7.50. Go to the PARC map page for more details. And say "hi" to the river for me, okay?

Scottish Falls on the South Fork?

We received a query from David T:

A friend told me about a place near Coloma called Scottish Falls. I haven't been able to find it anywhere on the internet or any maps. Could you help me locate it if you have any idea if/where it is?

If you have any clues, please post a comment on this post, or contact us directly. Thanks!

Updated Nov 14:

I posted the question to the Coloma-Lotus News group and got several replies. No one has heard of Scottish Falls but several folks suggested maybe Dutch Creek Falls is what was meant. I found this photo of Dutch Creek Falls (right) at getoffyourgass.com, where they evidently sell a book about Georgetown Hiking Trails.

Harry M:

Maybe they mean Dutch Creek falls....one European country sounds like all the others!

As I am sure you know, State Parks bought (most of) Mt. Murphy, and plans to improve the casual (rough) trail up to the falls. Given the state budget, that won't be soon. If you haven't seen the falls in the spring, you've missed one of Coloma's premier secret pleasures.

Betty S:

Nope, no luck on this one. I even asked Steve, whose family has lived here since the 1920s.

There is Dutch Falls (a spectacular place during high water run off near Mt. Murphy and now part of the falls are state park property). Also Salmon Falls Road. Salmon Falls itself in now mostly underwater in Folsom Reservoir except when the water is low, like now.

Jim P:

I suspect she is referring to Dutch Falls which is up Dutch Creek. Dutch Creek enters the American right above Trouble Maker on river Right. People have gone there for years, but it is Private Property so it probably should not be published.

As Jim points out, much of Mt Murphy is still privately owned, so if you decide to visit, be sure you know how to get to Dutch Creek and the falls via the state land. Check with the American River Conservancy for more information about the parkland.

Thanks to everyone for your replies!

Donna

South Fork River Bottom Clean Up

Join El Dorado County Parks for a River Bottom Clean Up on Thursday, September 25, 2008.

What: Low Water River Clean Up on the South Fork of the American River
Where: Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park to ?????
Time: Meet at Henningsen-Lotus Park at 8:30 am
Who: Anyone comfortable swimming in the river (Class II+)

This river clean up will be focusing on getting trash out of the river, not on shore. So be prepared: wear good footwear, a wet suit and bring a mask and snorkel. Inflatable kayaks and small rafts will be needed to put trash in and to safely float the rocky shallow rapids. A lunch will be provided after the clean up.

To sign up or for more infomation, please call the County River Patrol at
(530) 626-7225 or email Noah Rucker-Triplett.

American River Festival Sept 5-7

The 27th Annual American River Festival is expanded with shore activities, more fun for families, as well as more activities and competitions for seasoned and beginning paddlers. Come watch and participate in this fun weekend on water and land! Centered in Henningsen-Lotus Park (HLP), in Lotus, CA, land activities include games, food, music, nonprofit and exhibitor booths, and great spectator seats. River games and activities include races for those of all abilities, including a rodeo at First Threat, slalom races at Chili Bar, and raft and Topo Duo kayak races that end at HLP. Kids can participate in up to three fun fests on Saturday and Sunday!

The weekend kicks off on Friday night with a free dinner and movie showing at The River Store, 1032 Lotus Road in Lotus, CA 95651. Registration for weekend events is available there ($5-$15 per event, with a package discount), and on Saturday & Sunday mornings at HLP.

Saturday night is the big party at EarthTrek - dinner, live music, auctions, and an awards ceremony. Tickets for the party are $25. Call or visit The River Store at 530-626-3435, or email robin@TheRiverStore.com, for party tickets -- and also if you would like to volunteer to help this great event be as fun as it possibly can. The ARF benefits several river-focused nonprofits.

Weekend schedule and prices are available on the festival's website, www.AmericanRiverFestival.org. Come on down!

3 Women, 3 Hundred Miles on DVD

A DVD is now available of the adventure documentary 3 Women, 3 Hundred Miles. This 65-minute documentary chronicles a self support adventure on river boards down the Colorado River, by Coloma local Kelley Kalafatich, along with her friends Julie Munger and Rebecca Rusch. Having been fortunate enough to see it a few years ago, I can say it is extremely well done. The adventure is gripping, the people are real and engaging, and the Colorado River and Grand Canyon are awe-inspiring as always. You can order a copy by sending your mailing address, and a minimum donation of $40 to: Sue Norman, PO Box 9423, South Lake Tahoe, CA, 96158. Make the check out to, NTAF Southwest Spinal Cord Injury Program, and write "in honor of Kelley Kalafatich" in the memo line.

From the River Journeys website:

Kelley was born and raised in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains and became a river guide in 1979. Her keen sense of adventure and desire to live a year-round outdoor guiding life got her involved with river expeditions to Africa, Costa Rica, Brazil, Siberia, Fiji, Borneo, Equador, Chile, and of course Alaska where she rows a boat on our Tatshenshini trips. Her boating and expedition planning skills invariably got her hooked up with Hollywood where she had a role as Meryl Steep’s stunt double in The River Wild. As an aspiring filmmaker in her own right, she produced and filmed Three Women, Three Hundred Miles — an award-winning feature documentary which was honored in both the Durango and Nevada City Film Festivals. This documentary features Kelley and two other women running the entire length of the Grand Canyon of the Colorado on riverboards in the dead of winter. It is a spell-binding piece and a triumph of the spirit. Beautifully filmed, it is gives a perspective of the canyon that is seldomly seen, let alone experienced at that time of year — the quietude and the grandeur.

For updates on Kelley Kalafatich's fight with transverse myelitis, please visit checkonkk.blogspot.com.

Aug 7 River Cleanup on the South Fork American

Join El Dorado County River Patrol for their 17th annual South Fork American River clean-up at 9am on Thursday, August 7, 2008, meeting in Henningsen Lotus Park in Lotus. There will be a post-event BBQ and a drawing for prizes from event sponsors.

This is a team effort! Local Coloma-Lotus valley commercial rafting outfitters, businesses and residents all step up to keep this popular waterway clean and beautiful. Other consistent participants are employees of area state parks, the Bureau of Land Management, and the El Dorado County Sheriff Department -- as well as noncommercial boating organizations, member and staff of the American River Conservancy, and private boaters from abroad.

So there is a place for you and your organization on this helpful day! If you and your group are comfortable braving blackberry bushes and dodging poison oak -- if you enjoy rafting and getting out often to hike along the shore and in side channels CAREFULLY over slick and unstable rocks -- if you like to see what interesting items you can haul out of the river and carry to the trash truck -- then you too can get the feeling of satisfaction of keeping this gorgeous river corridor clean.

According to El Dorado County Parks River Recreation Supervisor Noah Rucker-Triplett, river clean-up heros remove all sorts of things that don't belong in the river. The New Year's Day flood of 2006 washed RVs and many other objects into the South Fork, some of which is still getting collected. Trash from boaters and inner-tubers (cans, plastic water bottles) is always found on shore. More historically, various metal pieces from past mining, dam building, bridges, etc. are always being uncovered by the constant turning over of the river bottom. Unfortunately, people like to throw stuff off bridges, so volunteer crews also pick up a few tires, appliance parts, fence stakes, culverts, parking cones, picnic tables, wire, cable, etc., every year. Consistently 1-2 trucks of trash are collected at each clean-up. Now that is a good feeling.

If you like this event and want to do another, or can't make this date and wish you could, you're in luck -- the county does 2-3 cleanups per year. For even more active fun, look for notice of a low water river clean-up which involves swimming and diving in the Class 2 section in the Valley.

Of course, prevention is even more important, and is also the law. Noah suggests two easy ways to keep trash out of the river in the first place: bring a mesh bag that ties shut, or a cooler with a secured lid, on your river trip to pack out your trash. Also, if you live along the river, during the winter, move items out of the 10-year flood plain. It is also a good idea to leave a spare key with a neighbor so your vehicle or RV so it can moved in a flood emergency.

To RSVP for the 8/7 clean-up, or to ask questions, call River Patrol at (530) 626-7225. Thanks for helping, and enjoy the food and prizes after your hard work!

Paddle with the Pros

Memorial Day weekend, May 24-25, 2008, there will be a series of kayak races and an outdoor BBQ dinner party on the beautiful South Fork of the American River, all to benefit First Descents, a kayak and outdoor experience for Young Adults with Cancer.

The "Paddle with the Pros" event will feature a boatercross race, men's and women's downriver races, a free roll clinic, a class III+ Poker Race, and an after-party with the pros featuring a dinner, video premiere and raffle. Amateur paddlers will rub shoulders with some of the true legends of the sport, including Brad Ludden, Eric Jackson, Corey Nielsen and members of the Jackson Kayak Team. Don't worry, they won't be racing — they'll just be there to wreak a little havoc on the water while the amateurs compete in class II boatercross and downriver races and a Class III+ poker race.

The event will benefit a program founded in 2001 by Ludden to empower young adult cancer survivors through kayaking, whitewater rafting, rock climbing and other outdoor activities. Additional event information and registration forms are available at Paddle with the Pros.

Can you help answer these questions?

Lately we've received a bunch of emails from folks with questions about the American River, and unfortunately we can't answer some of them. We're hoping you might be able to help. If you can answer any of these questions, please post your answer as a comment, or use our contact form to provide a private response. Thanks!!

1. From Leslie: My co-worker and I are looking into some historic information, and have come across a letter of one of her relatives by the name of A.D. Smead who is describing a time in 1849 where he and others in his party came over the Sierra Nevadas to Old Weavertown then down to Shingle Springs were they left the road and went to Moccasin river where they first mined for gold with rockers hollowed out of round logs. We are interested in finding out more about the Moccasin River and if it has changed names, and about Old Weavertown and where it was located.


2. From Craig: Is there any shuttle service available for the South Fork these days?


3. From Rich: I was wondering if someone could tell me if there is public boat or kayak access to the Chili Bar Reservoir below the White Rock Powerhouse?


4. From Fentress: Your website mentions that there are more deaths on the "Lower American" than on the 3 forks. Can you provide me with the number of deaths occurring in past years on each fork and on the Lower American? Alternatively or conjunctively, can you refer me to any agencies (name and telephone number) who keep records on the number of deaths?
   
   Similarly, I'd like to know about injuries common to going down each of the forks. I wanted to know if any records are kept regarding various types and frequencies of injury. I was also wondering the differences in kayaking, canoeing, and rafting with respect to deaths and injuries. Which is safest and, conversely, least safe? Are any records kept regarding this?

Thanks to Betty Sederquist for letting us use her picture of poppies on the South Fork of the American.

Great resource for hikers

We recently discovered Russell Towle's blog, North Fork of the American River, "Accounts of explorations in the Great American Canyon, Placer County's Yosemite." As Russell says,

It is my philosophy that the old trails of the North Fork need to be known, not unknown. The North Fork of the American River--its wildness, its beautiful scenery, its historic trails and mining ditches and prehistoric sites--deserves every kind of protection and preservation. But this protection and preservation is hardly possible if no one knows the great canyon, and its great old trails.

Russell has done his part. In over 100 posts over several years, he tells stories of his hikes in the North Fork canyons. He talks of wildlife, goemorphology, trails, and conservation politics. Interspersed with the stories are maps and trail logistics. Highly recommended!