NF American (Giant Gap, IV-V)

Giant Gap is class IV+ with three classV run of North fork of American river. This year, I went there for three times, but had to give up doing it due to high flow over 2,000 cfs. I did it on June 19 at 1,000 cfs and realized that this is really great run despite long run (14.5 miles) plus two mile-hiking. More info is available at American River North Fork Giant Gap.

Two mile-hiking to put in. It is downhill, not so hard. Be carefull of poisoned oak.


American river runs in the V-shape gorge with lots of great sceanic views.
Paddler is David. We thank his wife Paula for her shuttle that needs over an hour for round trip.


Nice class IV+ rapid.


Nutcracker, classV,
David is coming down. I felt like six feet-wave coming over me in this rapid.


Locomotive falls, classIV-V depending on the flow.
Larry is taking a line of far right. Left side of the line is sticky hole. My friend told me that a paddler who I know had been got in this hole at ~ 1,000 cfs. His body sunk down under tha water and came up, which were repeated for a while. For my friend, it was the worst swimming that he had ever seen. Very fortunately, the paddler did not get hurt seriously and is enjoying paddling with us.


This view is from downstream of the Locomotive falls.


Dominator, classV,


Eric is taking right line. Middle and left looked so ugly.


There are many good classIV~ IV+ rapids in this run.