TWO RIVERS

 

Even those of us who live in Sacramento can have a hard time distinguishing between the two rivers that intersect downtown Sacramento. Freeways and 4-lane roads pass over each of them as the city sprawls, and sometimes they can feel interchangeable. Furthermore, even the names are confusing because they are mildly generic: The American River is… in Sacramento. And the Sacramento River

First, let’s look at the Google Earth photo of the confluence of The Sacramento and the American Rivers below:

The Sacramento River is the brownish one that runs North-South from it’s origin in Shasta. It has acquired agricultural run-off along its journey down the center of California.

The American River is the green glittery river that runs East-West from its origin in Tahoe. This is the subject of Mildly Scenic.

My book is about The American River, from the confluence (Chapter 1) to Folsom Lake (Chapter 20). The American River has. places to wade, places to swim, vast panoramic views from the bluffs, birds and wildlife galore, quiet trails, and even a Class II rapid.

In short, if you’re going to take a few hours in nature, choose the Lower American River.