Description - Fasten your life jackets--It's going to be a bumpy ride. The famous Giant Gap run of the even more famous North Fork American River is one of the most popular whitewater challenges in California.

Attractions - Fasten your life jackets--It's going to be a bumpy ride. The famous Giant Gap run of the even more famous North Fork American River is one of the most popular whitewater challenges in California. Cliffs tower 2,000 feet above clear green streams smashing a path through rapids choked with boulders. Heaps of mine tailings and old cabin ruins border the course of this roller coaster ride through the historic Mother Lode. Stop to catch your breath at Lover's Leap Picnic Area, which boasts the state's most venerable black oak tree (350-450 years old).

Recreation - Recreation at the North fork American River includes rafting, kayaking, and fishing in the river and picnicking and hiking along the river. River Class: IV-V Note: rafting the river at levels above 2,000 CFS is not recommended. Put-in: Euchre Bar. Take-out: Iowa Hill, Colfax Bridge

Climate - This area generally experiences warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters. Weather can change rapidly during all seasons of the year. Elevation plays a major role in temperature and precipitation. This precipitation falls mainly from October through April. At higher elevations, it comes mostly in the form of snow. Clouds can build up during the summer to produce thunderstorm activity. It is wise to pack for any season with clothing that can be "layered", ready to peel off or add on as the thermometer dictates. Always include some kind of rain gear.

Location - The North Fork of the American River flows from the Sierra Nevadas, west of Lake Tahoe. To reach it, take the Alta exit off I-80 East, thirty mile northeast of Auburn, then turn south on Casa Loma Road to the trailhead. The put-in is a two (2) mile walk form the trailhead. To take-out , take the Canyon Way exit off I-80 at Colfax to Colfax-Iowa Hill Road

LAT: 38.9251515
LONG: -120.9169985