North Fork American River: Map

Mountaintop to canyon bottom, this area includes some of the wildest country in the North Central Sierra Nevada. Even Congress says so. The North Fork American River was designated in the first nationwide list of Wild and Scenic Rivers (1978).

From the broad shoulders of Anderson Peak on the Sierra Crest to Lake Clementine near Auburn, the river flows free. Only three rough roads and a narrow, paved one cross the North Fork American River canyon rim to rim. All but one of these lie within the lower canyon near Auburn and within the Auburn State Recreation Area. One historic road lays just below the headwaters -- none in the heart of the river canyon that SierraOutdoorRecreation.com highlights in this section. To enjoy the lower (west) end of the North Fork of the American River see the Auburn State Recreation Area.

Several dramatic waterfalls highlight the area, but only two are near trails, and none with roads nearby. Outside Wildernesses, the North Fork American River includes some of the largest stands of old growth timber within the Sierra Nevada. Few areas are readily accessible, even by trails. Snow Mountain, Royal Gorge, Sailor Meadow, and Sugar Pine Point are pristine natural areas -- albeit islands of mature forest in a large, fire-evolution canyon.

Loch Leven Lakes as well as numerous smaller lakes rest on the northern rim of the canyon. Easily accessed from I-80, the lakes basin is a different world than the vast canyon below. High mountain lakes and only small groups or single, stalwart trees find footholds in the glaciated granite that carpets the ridge. The trail to Loch Leven Lakes is the most heavily used trail on the Tahoe National Forest. Cherry Point/Big Granite Trail continues from Loch Leven dropping to the bottom of the North Fork American canyon; yet, despite outstanding scenery, these trails and area are arguably the least used. For a good reason. After a long hike to get to the bottom, the only way out of the canyon is up.

One exception -- a wild, whitewater ride below Euchre Bar spurts boats out to a paved road below Colfax. But first in order to get there, you have to carry a boat down the trail a mile and half. Next you’ll face the overwhelming depths of the Giant Gap. If you’re not expert, you should ride with professional companies. The North Fork American River makes you work to enjoy her secrets. It’s worth it!