Mildly Recommended: Paddling
You asked, I’m mildly delivering. Included in this hot-off-the-press blog post are a few of my latest and greatest paddling adventures. Some require two drivers (to shuttle the boats), but others require nothing more than a well-caffeinated Mom and some overly energetic kids.
There are plenty of ways to get on the water — floating lazily downstream, paddling your own route, or even portaging around a tricky section to explore something new. This summer, my kids were just small enough to squeeze onto a SUP with me, but big enough to help carry it, making every adventure a little teamwork, a little chaos, and a lot of fun.
Here are five mildly recommended adventures, one for each section of the river — color coded to match the trail guide.
Red Chapters
Paradise Beach to Discovery Park
Mildly Scenic: Chapters 3 to 1
Distance: 5 miles
Time: ~3 hours
Bridges: 9
Difficulty: Easy
For years, I avoided paddling the “red chapters” — the five-mile stretch from Paradise Beach, past Sutter’s Landing, and into Discovery Park. I pictured freeways, high-rises, and downtown debris ruining the vibe.
But my obsession with exploring every last nook and cranny of this urban river finally won out. I grabbed a friend, shoved my preconceptions in the dry bag, and gave it a whirl.
And you know what I found? In recent years, groups like River City Waterway Alliance have quietly and meticulously cleaned up the encampments and trash that once choked this stretch. What’s left is a surprisingly serene, wide ribbon of floatable water shaded by cottonwoods and willows.
Just as you can’t see much of the river from the grid, the river can’t really see you either. Floating under Hwy 80 and I-5 was no louder than passing beneath Watt Ave or Sunrise Blvd farther upstream.
Peach Chapters
Rio Americano Island Loop
Mildly Scenic terms: Chapters 5 to 4 (loop)
Distance: 1–2 miles (loop varies)
Time: 1–2 hours
Bridges: 0
Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
The slow stretch of river in front of Rio Americano High School is a dream for paddlers and swimmers — but what if you went all in and circumnavigated the island itself? This has quickly become one of our favorite river adventures.
We usually launch at Ashton Drive and paddle the island counterclockwise, knocking out the hard part first: working (or wading) against the main current. With a little creativity — and a willingness to haul your boat — you could also go clockwise.
Want to make it a mildly shorter adventure? Portage across the island at its narrowest point and cut the loop in half. Either way, it’s a perfect mix of mellow water, hidden channels, and that “we’re explorers now” feeling that makes the American River endlessly fun.
Gold Chapters
Portaging the Pond
Mildly Scenic terms: Chapter 8
From: Harrington Way River Access, up through Arden Pond
Distance: 1.5 miles
Time: 2–3 hours
Difficulty: Hard
There’s a term in the outdoorsy world of sports: Type 2 Fun. It’s the kind of adventure that requires effort, maybe a little suffering, but leaves you with a story you’ll smile about later. This paddle is a perfect example. Suggested by friends along the river, we attempted it on a day when the flow was pretty high — I bet it’s even better on a low-flow day. Either way, one mom, two kids, and a small dog did it on a SUP, so I’m confident you can too!
Launching at Harrington Way River Access, you’ll paddle upriver as far as possible and portage through the creeks that feed into and out of Arden Pond. When the river gets too fast or the inlets run dry, just point the nose of your boat downriver and ride the rapids back to the car. Hard work, yes — but worth every mildly scenic moment.
Green Chapters
Sunrise to River Bend
Mildly Scenic terms: Chapters 7 to 5
Distance: 4 miles
Time: ~3–4 hours
Bridges: 2
Difficulty: Easy
The most popular float starts at Sunrise Recreation Area, just beneath Sunrise Blvd., and meanders four miles past the San Juan Rapids and through the scenic river canyon. These are the “green chapters” of Mildly Scenic — and for good reason.
On a summer day with mildly cool temperatures, this section is perfect for beginners or families. The current is gentle, the scenery is classic, and the river is wide enough for everyone to find their own pace.
The Blue Chapters
Mississippi Bar Channels (Lake Natoma)
Mildly Scenic: Chapter 8
Distance: 2–3 miles (out and back)
Time: 1–2 hours
Bridges: 1 (bike path culvert)
Difficulty: Easy–Moderate (wind on return)
When most people think about paddling Lake Natoma, it’s usually up by Black Miner’s Bar or hugging the shoreline near Nimbus Flat — and yes, the water up there is cold. But I was looking for something a little more protected from the wind and the sailboats, so we went exploring the flooded channels around Mississippi Bar.
To get there, launch at Nimbus Flat State Recreational Area, right next door to the Sac State Aquatic Center, where you can rent boats by the hour. From Nimbus Flat, paddle across the lake, slip under the culvert/bike path, and wind your way into the shallow, warm channels of Mississippi Bar. The water here teems with fish and aquatic plants, and in late summer, blackberry bushes tempt paddlers along the banks.
It’s my kids’ new favorite place to swim and snack — though fair warning: the paddle back is usually against the wind. Consider it your mildly earned return to civilization.
Know Before You Go
Best Conditions: Ideal on low-flow days (check the American River flow before you go — aim for under ~3,000 cfs for easier paddling). High flows mean stronger current and trickier portages.
Gear:
SUP, kayak, or canoe (shorter boats make turning and portaging easier)
PFD for every person (and a dog life jacket if bringing your pup)
Dry bag for snacks, phone, and dry clothes
Sturdy river shoes or sandals for portages
Kids & Dogs: Totally doable with both, but be mindful of current strength and give extra space for wobbles.
