Silver Fork American River

Kyburz, California

California

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No verdict for this water

We won't guess. Here is exactly what we do and don't know.

What we do know

Inside Eldorado National Forest
2 managing-area boundaries mapped — agency alerts for them feed this page automatically.
Boundary data

What's missing

No access route mapped
We don't yet know which road reaches this trailhead, so we can't tell you if it's gated.

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Why you'll love it

17.0 mi run

Seasonal — can run dry

301 cfs avg flow

River facts

Water: Seasonal — can run dry
Average flow: 301 cfs
Average current: 1.6 ft/s
Gradient: 244.3 ft/mi
Drainage area: 109 sq mi

Long-term averages modeled by USGS (NHDPlus HR), not today's conditions. Check a gauge before you go.

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Silver Fork American River

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Permits & access

Managing agency: Forest Service

About this water

Silver Fork American River is a 17-mile paddling stretch near Kyburz, California. It is intermittent and may run dry in some seasons. USGS models an average flow of about 301 cfs and a gradient of about 244.3 feet per mile. Land along it is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

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Keep exploring — more water worth the drive

Photo: Tim Who wants to know, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

South Fork American River

~10 min drive

South Fork American River is a 21-mile paddling stretch near Kyburz, California. It flows year-round. USGS models an average flow of about 524 cfs and a gradient of about 169.9 feet per mile. Land along it is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Caples Lake Boat Launch

~15 min drive

Caples Lake Boat Launch is a boat launch in California.

Fallen Leaf Campground

~30 min drive

A worthwhile stop near California.

Photo: Skooiman at English Wikipedia, Public domain (via Wikimedia Commons)

West Fork Carson River

~35 min drive

West Fork Carson River is a 36-mile paddling stretch near Markleeville, California. It flows year-round. USGS models an average flow of about 137 cfs and a gradient of about 79.5 feet per mile. Land along it is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Ice House Boat Ramp

~21 min drive

A worthwhile stop near California.

Photo: Schmiebel, CC BY-SA 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

Taylor Creek

~30 min drive

Taylor Creek is a 1.9-mile paddling stretch near South Lake Tahoe, California. It flows year-round. USGS models an average flow of about 38 cfs and a gradient of about 75.2 feet per mile. Land along it is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Sunset Boat Ramp

~26 min drive

A worthwhile stop near California.

Strawberry Creek

~11 min drive

Strawberry Creek is a 6.1-mile paddling stretch near Twin Bridges, California. It flows year-round. USGS models an average flow of about 38 cfs and a gradient of about 396.4 feet per mile. Land along it is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Yellowjacket Boat Ramp

~27 min drive

A worthwhile stop near California.

South Fork Silver Creek

~19 min drive

South Fork Silver Creek is a 22-mile paddling stretch near Kyburz, California. It flows year-round. USGS models an average flow of about 125 cfs and a gradient of about 160.9 feet per mile.

Also worth it near here