Logistics & Trip Planning

We will be rearranging this information somewhat and adding access details for the North and Middle Forks as soon as possible. We are looking for information about shuttle services anywhere on the American -- if you provide this service or know of someone who does, please post in the Forum or contact us. Thanks!

South Fork Resources

Forget your paddle? Call The River Store on Lotus Road at (530) 626-3435 for equipment purchase or rental, or for updates on current river conditions. The Chili Bar Store at Chili Bar put-in also carries some boating supplies, phone (530) 642-1669.

Information on the Coloma Valley web site includes:
Food
Lodging (campgrounds and B&Bs)
Weather forecasts
Maps
Other local recreation
Other nearby activities (keep the significant other happy while you're on the river!)

South Fork Legal Access

You may find other spots that look like good places to put in or take out, but these are the only legal, publicly-accessible river access points on the Chili Bar to Salmon Falls run. (Note that many of the commercial outfitters own campgrounds on the river or have agreements with landowners to allow them to use other access spots.)

Business hours in the Coloma-Lotus area vary with the seasons. Please call ahead to avoid being disappointed.

Please note that the County use permits issued to American River Resort and Coloma Resort no longer allow private boater access.

Mile 0

Chili Bar

The only publicly-accessible put-in for the Chili Bar run. Fees charged for parking and put-ins. The Chili Bar Store sells snacks and last-minute supplies. The American River Conservancy handles the lower parking area, and has been revegetating it with a grassy park and native plants. Chili Bar Store (530) 642-1669. American River Conservancy (530) 621-1224.

Mile 5.5

Coloma Resort

On river right just above the one-lane bridge, Coloma Resort allows river access for guests. You can also pay a day-use fee to take out or put in, as long as their campground is not full. Please call ahead for availability. (530) 621-2267.

Mile 6.0

Marshall Gold Discovery State Historical Park

River left in the long flat stretch known as "Coloma Lake" is the North Beach River Access Area. Put-ins only; take-outs are prohibited. Easy river access, lots of parking, bathrooms. There is a day use fee (covers parking) plus $1/boat. Road access on Highway 49. (530) 622-3470.

North Beach is most commonly used as a put-in for the Class II Coloma-Lotus run. In the summer you'll see lots of novice kayakers there.

Mile 7.4

Highway 49 Bridge

Free river access, most commonly used by kayakers as a take-out for Chili Bar. Limited parking, steep climb from the river.

Parking river-left is acceptable on the downstream side of the bridge. Please refrain from loading, parking, or loitering on the Little Road side of the bridge as this impedes access to the homes on Little Road. We need to be sensitive to local residents' concerns if we want to be able to keep using this area as an option for put-in and take-out.

There is no public parking area river-right. If you decide to park in the River Park Village parking lot we recommend that you ask permission from the business you're parking near. They have the right to tow your vehicle if you're taking spaces from their customers.

Mile 8.0

Henningsen Lotus County Park

Easy river access, lots of parking, bathrooms and open-air shower, modest fee, open year-round. The park closes and an entrance gate is locked at sunset. This park was developed by El Dorado County Parks and Recreation and is funded by Dept. of Boating and Waterways for non-commercial boating access. (530) 621-5353.

A good take-out for Chili Bar or put-in for the Gorge. When Camp Lotus' parking lot is full (some summer weekends) it can also be used as the take-out for a shortened Class II Coloma-Lotus run.

Mile 9.0

Camp Lotus

Camp Lotus is the favored take-out for Coloma-Lotus and put-in for the Gorge. Closed in the winter time. Fee for day use (parking & river access) or camping. (530) 622-8672.

Mile 11.5

Greenwood Creek

Free access where Greenwood Creek enters on river right, at the tail of "Swimmer's Rapid." You will need to hike for a bit on the trail just downstream of the creek to reach Highway 49. Please be careful not to damage the delicate creekside vegetation.

There is a locked gate where the trail meets Hwy 49, and limited parking along the highway. Please park your vehicle safely off the road and look both ways before crossing, as vehicle speeds of 70 MPH are not uncommon through this stretch. This access area is owned by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Discussions are under way to determine whether to continue allowing access, and how the safety of habitat, boaters and drivers can be protected. See the BLM's Folsom office web site if you are interested in being a part of this discussion.

Mile 20.5

Salmon Falls Bridge

This is the take-out for the Gorge, and is the last river access before Folsom Reservoir. Take out on the right bank just upstream of the bridge. Parking fees charged. There is additional parking across the bridge on road right. Open year round. As always, don't leave valuables in your car; Salmon Falls has a bad reputation for break-ins.