See all 3 routes on South Fork American River
California | El Dorado County / Coloma–Lotus Valley
South Fork American RiverMarshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park to Henningsen Lotus Park
A short Coloma–Lotus Class II introduction from the Marshall Gold Discovery access to Henningsen Lotus Park.
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Route location
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Need to know
Why this call
Route overview
Trip details
Access rules, camping, seasonal conditions and trip length.
Distance, difficulty, rules and camping
Plan ahead
Tomorrow and the weekend
Forecasts can change. Check current conditions again before leaving.
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Plan
Plan your trip
Launch points, shuttle details, distance, and access notes.
Route logistics
Access and shuttle
A short Coloma–Lotus Class II introduction from the Marshall Gold Discovery access to Henningsen Lotus Park.
Access map
Put-in
Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park river accessHenningsen Lotus Park charges day-use parking and closes at dusk.
Take-out
Henningsen Lotus ParkGreenwood has limited parking, overflow at Magnolia Ranch and a trail carry to the river.
Road shuttle
Access notes and hazards
Access caveats
- Henningsen Lotus Park charges day-use parking and closes at dusk.
- Greenwood has limited parking, overflow at Magnolia Ranch and a trail carry to the river.
- Commercial, organized-group and competitive use at BLM sites may require a Special Recreation Use Permit.
Watch for
- Cold, release-driven water
- Class II/II+ rapids, rocks and strainers
- Limited parking, carries, private banks and commercial traffic
Plan this paddle
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Conditions
Water levels, gauge history, and hourly forecast
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USGS measurements
More about this gauge
These measurements come from the gauge station. Water depth and current can differ along your trip.
River camera · USGS
View at the gauge
South Fork American River near Placerville, CA. This view may be outside your paddling reach. Images are periodic and do not establish safe conditions.
Gauge detail
Water-level history and forecastDetailed view
Gauge
Recent trend
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Route gallery
Photos
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Score & sources
Why this score
See the gauge, weather, and source notes behind today’s call.
Why this scoreData reliability: checking
This rating reflects whether the gauge measures this part of the river, whether published water-level guidance is available, and how recently the data was updated.
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- Checking evidence cautions.
Data behind the scoreWater levels, published guidance and update times
These readings and published water-level limits help explain today’s score.
| Gauge site | South Fork American River near Placerville, CA |
| Discharge | Checking |
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| 24h trend | Checking |
| 24h change | Checking |
| Current band | Checking |
| Rain last 24h | Checking |
| Rain last 72h | Checking |
| Air temp | Checking |
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| Wind | Checking |
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| Rain timing | Checking |
| Preferred range | 1,200 cfs to 1,800 cfs |
| Low threshold | 600 cfs |
| High threshold | 5,000 cfs |
| Evidence strength behind the range | Local route guidance |
| Gauge observed | Checking |
| Paddle Today updated | Checking |
| Main source behind this score | Wilderness Portal South Fork American C to G flow notes |
| Gauge source | Checking |
| Weather source | Checking |
| Rainfall source | Checking |
NotesWhat to know before you go
These notes cover the access details, route quirks, and source caveats most likely to matter once you get there.
- Access and distanceMarshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park to Henningsen Lotus Park; 2.1 miles
BLM, El Dorado County and the South Fork access guides identify the public access chain and route structure.
- Scoring band600 cfs minimum; 1,200–1,800 cfs sweet spot; 5,000 cfs upper cue
Wilderness Portal publishes the route-specific Chili Bar gauge band; use it as a conservative planning cue and verify release timing and conditions locally.
- GaugeUSGS 11444500 / Chili Bar
Direct South Fork American gauge below Chili Bar; recheck live telemetry, trend and release timing before travel.
Verify it yourselfCheck the source links
Use these links to double-check the gauge, route details, and access notes before you head out.
Paddler reports
Recent notes from paddlers
A few quick notes from people who were on this route recently.
Reports
Paddler reports
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More routes to check next
Compare another stretch on this river, or explore different rivers within 75 straight-line miles.
Quick answers
South Fork American River paddling FAQ
What water level is best for the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park to Henningsen Lotus Park route on the South Fork American River?
Paddle Today watches South Fork American River near Placerville, CA and treats 1,200 cfs to 1,800 cfs as the target band for this route, with weather and recent trend included in the final score.
Where does the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park to Henningsen Lotus Park route on the South Fork American River start and end?
This route starts at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park river access and ends at Henningsen Lotus Park, about 2.1 river miles on the water.
Is the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park to Henningsen Lotus Park route on the South Fork American River suitable for beginners?
This is listed as a moderate route. Expect more planning than an easy float, and use the live score, route notes, and source links before committing.
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