California's Amazing American River

American River - Photo Copyright © 2002 Mark Keller, All rights reserved
The American River flows out of the Sierras in three main forks, which are known for their white-water rafting and kayaking. The North and Middle forks join near Auburn, and empty into the north end of Folsom Lake. The South fork empties into the east end of Folsom Lake. Below Folsom Dam the American River continues, and very quickly empties into Lake Natoma. From there it continues winding through metropolitan Sacramento in the American River Parkway, which contains the Jedediah Smith Bicycle Trail. The American River then flows into the Sacramento River, just north of downtown Sacramento. The Sacramento River continues through town, and then through the Sacramento Delta and finally empties into the San Francisco Bay. Some additional photos can be found here and here.


Copyright © 2002,2005 Mark Keller, All rights reserved

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