The snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains represent more than scenic vistas and chairlift-fed mogul fields. The dozens of feet of powder that bury the highest elevations of the eastern California mountain range are a classic example of potential energy. Sometimes, that energy is released in the form of an avalanche. When the warm weather turns solid into liquid, the potential energy becomes kinetic.
Flakes become drops, and gravity sends them on their way. Some will evaporate and return to the heavens, while others nourish the flora and fauna of the biggest state on the Pacific coast. Others will follow the path of least resistance and make their way down the mountains and into the Sacramento Valley. Past the orchards and lettuce fields they go, into the San Francisco Bay and out to sea, beneath the mighty Golden Gate Bridge.
Many of these humble drops will follow the same path out of the mountains, and form the North Fork of the American River. And, every year, whitewater rafting fans will go along for the ride.
American River Rafting
Beginning high in the Sierra Nevada range, the American River takes three forms: the South Fork, the Middle Fork and the North Fork. By the time they reach the flat lands of the lower elevations, the three have become one. River rafting is a popular activity on each fork, and each requires a different level of skill.
The International Scale of River Difficulty is a good tool to use for judging the skill level needed to navigate a particular river. The various forks of the American River include terrain that varies from raging whitewater that will challenge any rafter or kayaker, to slack water pools that make great places for a Bigfoot family to practice their cannonball technique.
The North Fork American River is the most difficult section of the river. The upper-most section of the North Fork is called Generation Gap. This section of the river is certainly not for wimps, and neither is the 3-mile hike to the starting point. The hike features splendid isolation and glorious scenery, but the kayak or raft is going to get heavy. Upon reaching the put-in, rafters will want to rest up; 12 miles of class V whitewater are waiting, and the rocks don't care you tired you are.
Just below Generation Gap is a section of the river called Giant Gap. Some rafters start here, since the 2-mile hike to put-in requires less effort than the 3-mile trudge at the much higher elevation of Generation Gap. Much of this over 14-mile section is class ll-lV, but don't blink. There are class V rapids with teeth clenching names like Dominator and Nutcracker.
There are whitewater rafting outfitters who can be hired to help run Giant Gap, but most of the rafting and kayaking in these upper sections is done by locals or expert level talent who own their own equipment. Most people who hire an outfitter will put in below Giant Gap and run a section of the river called Chamberlain Falls. This is a 9-mile section of class ll-lV rapids that can be run in as little as half a day.
Even though this section of North Fork American River is considered the easiest of the three, there are several ouchy spots ahead, and it only takes one to ruin your day. A 6-foot waterfall starts this section of the river, and the Devil's Staircase (no handrail included) is the final obstacle in one of the most memorable whitewater rafting trips in California.
Whitewater Rafting
The outfitters who operate on the American River can arrange rafting trips for almost anyone, regardless of age or physical ability. Trips range from half a day to as many as five days. The easiest way to ensure a fun and safe river rafting trip is to be honest with the guides. Rafters who lack experience and feel that they are taking an unsafe risk need to admit this before beginning any rafting adventure.
Also, choose your rafting companions carefully. If everybody else is a whitewater junkie and you have never been in anything more dangerous than a hot tub, it might make sense to call in sick. Get some experience on a tamer section of a river before heading to the top of the mountain with the big boys.
By staying within your own limits, you'll be back to run the river again next year (just like all those melted snowflakes).
Dave Lovejoy - Dave is a graduate of the University of Nebraska. He is involved in farming and has a custom made furniture business that has customers ...
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