American

Which is Better, the South Fork Or the North Fork of the American River?

September 2nd, 2010 | Author: fvoxudecp

Property Developers Paralimni Cyprus

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This is a question that often comes up for first-time rafters in Northern California. Whether you choose to raft the South Fork or the Middle Fork of the American River, you will have a great time. People often focus on the “class” of the river in order to determine whether they are going to see “more” or “bigger” rapids. This simply is not true. The higher the “class,” the more TECHNICALLY difficult the rapid; size is not necessarily a factor. A quick presentation of river classification will be helpful in determining which type of river is right for you.

The first thing to be aware of is that the single highest rapid classifies the river. For example, a river filled with nothing but class II rapids with just one class V is still a class V river. While there are several different systems for classifying a river, the I-VI system is the most common in the United States.

Class I: easy, slightly rippling, swift moving water with few to no obstacles
Class II: easy, rippling water, some whitewater, swift moving, few obstacles and most require minimal maneuvering to avoid
Class III: moderate, typically requires a guide, powerful hydraulics with tall rapids, some maneuvering required for set up and minimal maneuvering within rapids
Class IV: moderate-advanced, requires a guide, powerful hydraulics with tall rapids, maneuvering while in the rapid is common to safely navigate the rapid
Class V: advanced, intense hydraulics and or technical lines need to be navigated to safely enter and exit rapids. Previous experience required and good physical fitness often a must. Professional guides a must
Class VI: un-navigable. this can be anything from a trickling creek to Niagara Falls

Most commercial whitewater rafting falls within the class II to Class V range. If we review the list and we compare a class III river and a class IV, the differences are nominal with regard to power of rapid. The real difference is whether you’ll be required to paddle through the rapid to help safely navigate. Surely some of the Class IV rapids can be more powerful but by and large the difference is in duration and or maneuvering.

If river classification is the only criteria important to your decision-making, you are done. However, there are other considerations to be aware of. The South Fork offers a whole host of features that the Middle Fork does not have. These features may or may not be part of your decision-making process but are worth noting in order to be aware of your options, if nothing else.

The South Fork of the American River is one of the most rafted rivers in ALL of the United States, year in and year out. It is popular for many reasons: it’s easy to get to, it offers one-day and two-day rafting options (so it is doable in a weekend), there are many campground options, and there are an abundance of rafting companies operating on this river. Additionally, the rapids are fairly consistent, and the class III rating promises predictable hydraulics that get the blood pumping but are manageable for wide age ranges (7-years to 70+). The shuttles to and from river put-in and take-out are not overly long and tiresome. Access to the riverside is relatively easy, there are no hikes and or rough trails to get the gear to the river and back to the vehicles.

The South Fork of the American River is truly a river that accommodates a wide variety of people, it has a relatively long season (May to October), predictable water flows with the damn arrangement, is located in the historic river valley where gold was discovered and it’s an affordable vacation.

Famous rapids on the 21-mile South Fork of the American River are Meat Grinder, the Triple Threats, Trouble Maker, Satan’s Cesspool and Hospital Bar.

The Middle Fork has much of the same as the South Fork. The Middle Fork is dam controlled and has relatively consistent flows. Its season is not as long as the South Fork’s. The Middle Fork does offer bigger hydraulics, rapids that require maneuvering, a beautiful waterfall that needs to be walked around and the famous Tunnel Chute. The Middle Fork is more remote than the South Fork, so the shuttle rides are longer (but still tolerable). The Middle Fork offers one-day rafting from most companies, with a two-day wilderness option from others. The Middle Fork does not have campgrounds and convenience stores nearby; once in the river canyon you remain there until the trip is over, and is some 20+miles long. The Middle Fork is a step up in difficulty when one reaches the higher rated rapids, otherwise, it offers longer stretches of calm water, is less crowded and has a remote beauty, which should be taken in and enjoyed while the trip lasts.

Famous rapids on the Middle Fork include Panic Alley, Tunnel Chute, Chunder, Cartwheel, Duck Soup and Parking Lot. There is a portage on the Middle Fork around Ruck-a-Chucky Falls (which simply means that the gear needs to be carried around the rapid via rivers edge).

Which river speaks to you? It really depends on what you are looking for. As a rafting operator, I find that the convenience of the South Fork is the most appropriate option for my guests. However, both rivers offer different challenges, dimensions, and appeal, and the ever-changing water flows always offer a new adventure!

Christopher Pyle is the owner/director of adventure summer camp and whitewater rafting company in Northern California. His entire company philosophy focuses on creating the safest and most encouraging environments for campers and rafters alike. We focus on TEAM, we focus on KINDNESS, we focus on SAFETY, we focus on personal EMPOWERMENT, we focus on COMMUNITY, we focus on SUPPORT. We’re family run, family oriented and wanting to share our place with you.

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Which is Better, the South Fork Or the North Fork of the American River?