This is California's standard intermediate run that many boaters run repeatedly and never outgrow. Annoying user fees can deplete beer money fast.
Crowds are a huge problem on weekends during the summer.
Most commercial outfitters run the lower half on Saturday, and the more difficult upper half on Sunday. They always seem to launch just as you're coming thru. In late September or early October, the poison oak leaves turn red and provide nice autumn color. For good objective information about Coloma and the South Fork American, see Donna McMaster's website . For a list of commercial rafting outfitters and kayaking instructors, see her Business Directory .