Overview
- Length: ~21 miles (Chili Bar to Folsom Lake)
- Difficulty: Class II to IV (most common sections Class II–III+)
- Skill Level: Intermediate to Expert
- Season: Best spring through autumn (peak flows spring, controlled releases summer)
- Optimal Flow: 500–2,000 cfs (check Dreamflows)
- Average Gradient: 22 ft/mile
River Sections and Access Points
1. Chili Bar Run
- Put-in: Chili Bar (access via Hwy 193 from Hwy 49, Placerville)
- Take-out: Henningsen-Lotus County Park (Lotus)
- Length: 9 miles
- Skill Level: Intermediate–Expert (Class III)
2. Coloma to Lotus
- Put-in: Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park (Coloma, North Beach)
- Take-out: Henningsen-Lotus County Park or Camp Lotus
- Length: 3.5 miles
- Skill Level: Intermediate (Class II)
3. Gorge Run (Lotus to Folsom Lake)
- Put-in: Henningsen-Lotus County Park or Camp Lotus
- Take-out: Salmon Falls Bridge (Salmon Falls Rd near Pilot Hill, parking north side of bridge)
- Length: 11.5 miles (4–6 hrs)
- Skill Level: Intermediate–Expert (Class III)
Detailed Rapid Guide (Downstream Order)
A. Chili Bar to Lotus
- Chili Bar (Put-in)
- Fee area, day-use only.
- Popular staging for guided and private trips.
- Meatgrinder Rapid (Class III)
- Long, rocky, technical—pay attention to ledges and holes.
- Nasty swim, scout if unfamiliar.
- Racehorse Bend (II+)
- Tight turn with current into rocks.
- African Queen
- Braided channel with boulders and brush.
- Triple Threat (Three Rapids in a Row)
- Series of big waves and holes.
- Downstream end of public land.
- Troublemaker/S-turn (Class III)
- Most famous rapid; large boulders, technical drops.
- Left-side scout possible; strong current into “Gunsight Rock.”
- Finish at S-turn, then pool to Coloma Bridge.
B. Coloma to Lotus
- Marshall Gold Discovery Park (Put-in)
- Calm water, good for beginners.
- Old Scary (II)
- Sharp turn, strong eddies; watch out.
- Henningsen-Lotus County Park (Take-out or continuing put-in)
- Large day-use park, popular access.
- Camp Lotus (Take-out or put-in)
- Private campground, launch for quiet water or Gorge run.
C. Lotus to Salmon Falls (The Gorge)
- Barking Dog
- Small drop, playful wave.
- Current Diver
- Rock island; go right.
- Highway Rapid
- Rocky, watch for sneaky holes.
- Greenwood Creek
- Foot access, BLM lands.
- Fowler’s Rock
- Boulder mid-current, powerful hole left side.
- Lollipop Tree
- Landmark on hill, marks entrance to the gorge.
- Norton’s Ravine
- Small beach on right, last BLM toilet.
- Folsom Gorge
- Water accelerates, tight walls, deep pools.
- Satan’s Cesspool (Class III+)
- Signature rapid!
- Enter on wave train, right-to-left move to avoid main hole.
- Bedrock drop, technical chute left.
- Bouncing Rock Rapid
- Diagonal wave/ledge, hole right side.
- Hospital Bar Rapid (Class III+)
- Sharp drop, steep wave train, face-wash surf.
- Surprise Rapid
- May appear/disappear depending on Folsom Lake level.
- Salmon Falls Bridge (Take-out)
- Long flatwater if lake is high. Exit at bridge (paved lot north side).
Access Points & Directions
- Chili Bar:
From US 50, north on CA 49 to CA 193, turn left to Chili Bar (about 2.4 miles from CA 49). - Coloma:
Marshall Gold Discovery SHP (North Beach) or Coloma Resort (across one-lane bridge off Mount Murphy Road). - Henningsen-Lotus County Park:
From CA 49 bridge, south on Lotus Road, 0.5 miles to parking/ramp. Gated at night, fee area. - Camp Lotus:
From Lotus Road, west on Bassi Road, right at Camp Lotus (0.8 miles). - Salmon Falls Bridge:
From CA 49, Pilot Hill, west on Salmon Falls Road, 6 miles to bridge (parking north side).
Shuttle Distances:
- Chili Bar → Lotus Park: 11.5 miles (40 min)
- Lotus Park → Camp Lotus: 2.6 miles (15 min)
- Lotus Park → Salmon Falls: 12 miles (30 min)
Trip Planning Tips
Choosing Your Run
- Chili Bar to Lotus: For whitewater fans, best action and scenery.
- Coloma to Lotus: Easier, mellow stretch for skills practice.
- Gorge: Classic big-water experience with iconic rapids.
Hazards
- Cold water, brush, strong hydraulics, fast-changing flows due to dam releases.
- Meatgrinder, Troublemaker, Satan’s Cesspool, and Hospital Bar are the main rapids to scout or portage if in doubt.
- High crowds on weekends, especially summer—go on weekdays if possible.
Best Flow & Season
- 500–2,000 cfs optimal; best is 1,000+ for rafts, 500+ for kayaks.
- Best season: Spring through autumn.
(See flow chart: peak in spring, dam-release in summer, declining in fall.)
Packing List
- PFD, helmet, paddle, kayak/raft/canoe, dry bag, first aid kit, water, snacks, throw rope, wetsuit/drysuit (spring).
Shuttles & Parking
- Most put-ins and take-outs are fee/day-use.
- Arrange shuttle with a friend or local shuttle service; do not rely on hitchhiking.
Etiquette
- Minimize noise in residential/quiet sections.
- Respect private land and campgrounds.
- Load/unload gear quickly at busy launch zones.
Sample One-Day Itinerary
- Early Morning:
Meet at Salmon Falls Bridge (leave a car here), shuttle up to Chili Bar. - Mid Morning:
Launch at Chili Bar. Run Chili Bar section, break at Lotus Park for lunch. - Afternoon:
Continue through The Gorge section, take out at Salmon Falls Bridge. - Evening:
Celebrate your epic run!
Resources for More Info
- Dreamflows – Real-Time Flow Data
- Coloma.com – Local Info, Shuttles, Camping
- USGS Maps: Garden Valley, Coloma, Pilot Hill
Quick Rapid Reference Table
| Section | Put-in | Take-out | Main Rapids | Miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chili Bar Run | Chili Bar | Henningsen-Lotus | Meatgrinder, Triple Threat, Troublemaker | ~9 |
| Coloma-Lotus | Marshall Gold SHP | Henningsen/Camp Lotus | Old Scary | ~3.5 |
| The Gorge | Henningsen/Camp Lotus | Salmon Falls Bridge | Barking Dog, Fowler’s, Satan’s Cesspool, Hospital Bar | ~11.5 |