South Fork American River Tour

Coloma to Lotus, Class II

This three-mile stretch from Marshall Park to Camp Lotus is a popular run for beginning kayakers. When Camp Lotus is closed for the winter (October-February), beginners need to take out at Henningson Park.

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.

Mile 6.6

Beginner's Hole Rapid, Class II

Also known as "Taco Bender" this is a fun little play spot at levels under 2000 cfs.

Mile 7.1

Old Scary Rapid, Class II

The river bends sharply left, with an island midstream. Old Scary used to be a lot scarier before one of the floods rearranged it, but it still deserves attention from beginners. At flows over 1200, the left chute is easily runnable but be aware the current will send you right. If you run right of the island (the usual route) stay to the left side of the channel to avoid the big eddy on the right.

Mile 7.3

Laughing Eddy, Class II

Well, this is the name some of us Loma Prieta Paddlers gave it years ago when we were learning to kayak, because the "senior" kayakers could always find a good laugh when beginners tried to catch this sharp-edged eddy on river left, at the blue house shortly above the bridge. Also known as Blue House Eddy or Whiplash. A real high when you finally get it right.

Mile 7.4

Highway 49 Bridge

River access. Parking under the bridge is prohibited.

Mile 8.0

Henningsen Lotus County Park

River access, lots of parking, modest fee.

Mile 8.5

Lotus Ledge surfing hole, Class II

This used to be a fun little ledge hole, even for folks like Lars Holbek who haven't been beginners for a while. Unfortunately it was wiped out in the flood of January, 1997, and is now nothing more than a riffle.

Mile 9.0

Camp Lotus

River left, campground and river access.