American River and Northern California Vacation

The American River runs from the Sierra Nevada to the San Joaquin Valley, eventually emptying into San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

History The Maidu peoples inhabited the American River for thousands of years before foreigners settled the region. They utilized the vast river resources for shelter, clothes, baskets, and other goods.

The California Gold Rush started in 1848 when gold was found on the American River. The South Fork in particular was a top destinations for early miners.

River Forks the American River is divided into the North, Middle, and South forks; the three forks originate in the Lake Tahoe area. All three forks are known for their verdant canyons, forested ridges, massive rock formations, trails, winter adventures, snowy peaks, fishing and white water rafting. Fish species that live within the American River include the Chinook salmon and Steelhead Trout. 

American River Parkway below Folsom Lake, the river passes through an urban area and riparian park containing fishing and family-oriented rafting, paved bicycling and multi-use trails. Also, Leidesdorff Ranch, a 35 thousand acre - 140 km² - cattle and wheat agribusiness.

Your anchor locations when visiting Northern California include Lake Tahoe, Sacramento, Sonoma and San Mateo Counties near San Francisco Bay

Ecosystem the climate of the California American River is Mediterranean; rainy winters and very dry summers. The region is prone to seasonal drought conditions. Sacramento County is known for its cool winters, and hot summers, with low average precipitation. Much of the Central Valley was historically wetlands, which made the ground very fertile and attractive for agriculture. The American provides Sacramento County with its main source of drinking water and houses a multitude of plants and wildlife, creating an immensely bio diverse ecosystem.

The American River Conservancy works to conserve the wildlife, aquatic and terrestrial habitats and resources around the American River watershed. The land they protect helps the American River water quality by conserving and resorting wet meadows, wetlands, and riparian areas. It also preserves the cultural and historic values of the river systems and surrounding landscapes.

Recreation whitewater rafting; the South Fork has Class III rapids, the Middle Fork has Class IV rapids, and the North Fork has Class IV spring run-off rapids. All three rivers also feature Class II sections.