Inflatable or Hardshell Kayak on the South Fork of the American River

"C to G"  is local speak for a stretch of the American River that starts at Marshall Discover Park and ends at Greenwood Creek.  This river run will take you for 5 miles over slow moving flat water, interspersed with riffles and some lively current.  There are class I, II, and even II+ whitewater rapids. Rafting or Kayaking with a guide can cost $100, but  the savvy adventurer go self-guided trip for $40. In the summer months the weather is in the 90-100s and the cold water feels amazing. 

Bonus: There is a rope swing under the Coloma Road Bridge (Highway 49) and even a rock climbing wall leading into the water. 

Time: 3-5 hours on the river

Rentals: You will need to rent inflatable or hardtop kayak and safety gear or bring your own. We rented out of Sierra Outdoor Center in Auburn ($40/day, 54/2 days). 

Shuttle: You must organize a shuttle for yourself or book a spot with a shuttle service like Coloma Shuttle ($15 each). 

For self-organized car shuttle: Drop one car at the "take out" area Greenwood Creek Parking Lot. You may need to park on the road if full. Drive 3.6 miles up the road and park your other car at the "put in" zone in Marshall Gold Discovery State Park. Parking/put in fee is $8 (tip: easiest to bring cash, but cards accepted at the Visitor Center). 

For self-organized bike shuttle: Drive your car to your "put in" at Marshall Gold Discovery State Park. Drop off all your kayaking/floating gear and your group. One person drives the car (with the bike) to the "take out" Greenwood Creek Parking Lot. Park car and ride bike (and lock) back to the put-in. Its an  mellow 20 min bike ride. 

Flows: Water from the nearby reservoir is released daily on the South Fork and hits Marshall State Park around 10am. Daily releases are guaranteed through the end of August. For more info check the release schedule. 

Food: After your day on the river, head over to Marco's Cafe for outdoor seating, pizza, live music and good beer in Coloma. 

Camping/Lodging: Coloma is a lively place in the summer. A quaint, river community with historic goldrush buildings. It gets busy on the weekends and camping along the river books up fast. Cheapest place for tent camping (if you can snag one) is Camp Lotus ($5).  There are plenty of cabins, and resorts along the river that run whitewater rafting trips. We stayed at American River Resort in a tent camp site ($40). 

IMPORTANT: Make sure to keep an eye out for Greenwood Creek take out. It is on your right-hand side, directly across from an old dried up golf course lawn on river left. There is a large sign for Greenwood Creek but its not apparent until you are alongside it (at which point it might be too late. Do not miss this.  This is the last take out for 8 miles of class 3+ rapids called The Gorge.