North Fork of the American River

California

Designated Reach: November 10, 1978. From a point 0.3 miles above Heath Springs downstream to a point 1,000 feet upstream of the Colfax-Iowa Hill Bridge.

Classification/Mileage: Wild — 38.3 miles; Total — 38.3 miles.

The North Fork of the American is noted for its outstanding scenery, remote recreation, outstanding water quality and historic gold mining values. Gorge scrambling is the most popular activity, followed by hiking, fishing and boating. The upper 26 miles of this 38-mile wild reach are managed by the Tahoe National Forest, while the Bureau of Land Management manages the lower third.

Hikers and fishing enthusiasts can choose from a number of trails to access the river canyon, most of them dropping steeply from the canyon rim down to the water. While visitation peaks in the summer, primarily driven by hikers/swimmers, late spring into mid-summer is typically the height of the boating season. The highest boatable reach is known as Generation Gap (12 miles), run by only the most experienced Class V boaters, which can only be accessed by a three-mile long walk. The next lower reach, known as Giant Gap (14 miles), is also Class V and is accessed by a two-mile hike down the Euchre Bar Trail. Although overnight camping permits are not required, if visitors want a campfire, they will need to obtain a fire permit.