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The American River is a 30-mile-long (50 km) river in California that runs from the Sierra Nevada mountain range to its confluence with the Sacramento River in downtown Sacramento. Via the Sacramento River, it is part of the San Francisco Bay watershed.
From relaxed afternoon excursions to multi-day white water expeditions, the three forks of this famously fun river has it all. The most popular whitewater-rafting river in the West, the American River surges through Gold Country, an inviting jumble of churning rapids, deep pools, and tumbling cascades.
American River History. Before the land known as California became famous for gold, it was home to the Nisenan Indians. The Nisenan lived in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, primarily in the Yuba, Bear, and American River watersheds.
Sep 15, 2014 · Learn about the history, geography and ecology of the American River, the birthplace of the California Gold Rush. Explore the different forks, the wildlife, the recreation and the challenges of this major waterway.