Paul and I had people bail on us last second, eliminating our chances of getting on something difficult.  With few choices running or close to Davis, we opted to get on three sections of the South Fork of the American.  During the summer months thousands of people paddle these stretches commercially, but during our afternoon we saw no one.  Quite refreshing.  This whole run becomes a raft parking lot from May to August. 

The put in at Chili Bar.  There is a day use fee here, so pre-shuttle if you can.

We didn’t have a shuttle setup, but we figured it would be easy enough along the busy roads.  The level was higher which made for continuous moving water (eliminating the flat water summer guides endlessly bitch about). 

The Chilibar Hole at the put in was more of a wave, but made for a bit of good surfing.  With lesser flows, this is an excellent play spot with eddy service. 

Paul working the Chili Bar wave.

Below the put in where a few really fun rapids.  Big waves, larger holes, and pushy hydraulics made for an interesting ride.  About a mile down is the First Threat, a large hole river left that has worked quite a few raft guides.  This was a fast bouncy wave, and made for some good rides. 

The author blunting at First Threat.

The final hurrah on the Chili Bar run is Trouble Maker, which is Class IV at the higher level.  There were many ways to run at this level, but we opted for the left to right move.  On busy days in the summer stuff gets exciting here with rafts crashing left and right. 

Panorama of Troublemaker.  The rocks become more of an obstacle at normal flows.

For kayakers, there is one more good spot on the run.  The Barking Dog Hole is on river left a bit below Troublemaker.  The hole is difficult to ride, but made for some decent play.  It is pretty steep, so we found surfing the outside shoulder most successful.  Paul and I both got worked a bit here too. 

The takeout is just down below on the left.  There is pay parking and a use fee if you plan on using this area.  The next section of the river is from Coloma to Lotus.

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